This was stated by the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine during a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Interparliamentary Council (UNIC) in Luxembourg.
Ukrainian defenders have liberated almost half of the territory occupied by russian troops
First of all, he stressed that Ukrainian defenders have liberated almost half of the territory occupied by russian troops since the beginning of the full-scale russian military invasion: “This process will continue until the complete de-occupation of our sovereign territory within internationally recognised borders.”
russia must be punished for all its crimes
“Ukraine is fighting not only for its own territory, but also for the whole of Europe – the future of not only our country will depend on how this war ends,” the First Vice Speaker said.
He expressed his gratitude for the US decision to impose sanctions against rosatom, as well as for the creation of an alliance between Canada, France, Japan, the UK and the US aimed at ousting russia from the international nuclear energy market: “The world cannot allow russia to go unpunished. russia must be punished for all its crimes. For every bullet fired, every missile, every mine laid, every house destroyed, every life taken”.
Historic decision of the ICC to issue an arrest warrant for putin is a turning point in bringing him to justice
“We welcome the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for President putin and mariia lvova-belova for life for alleged war crimes related to the illegal deportation of children from the occupied areas of Ukraine to the russian federation,” said Oleksandr Korniienko, adding that the historic decision of the ICC marks a turning point in the process of bringing to justice all those responsible for crimes committed in Ukraine, including the top leadership of the terrorist state.
In his speech, Oleksandr Korniienko called on every state to consider joining the special tribunal for crimes of aggression against Ukraine. Six PACE resolutions, five European Parliament resolutions, as well as resolutions of the NATO PA and OSCE PA, the parliaments of Lithuania, Estonia, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, France, Latvia, Slovakia, Moldova and Poland have been adopted in support of its creation. “Ukraine is currently working within the UN on the text of a resolution on the establishment of a special tribunal,” he said.
russian authorities continue deporting and displacing Ukrainian citizens, including children
At the same time, he said that the russian occupation authorities continue to systematically deport and forcibly transfer Ukrainian citizens to russia and within the russian-occupied part of Ukraine, as well as to forcefully adopt Ukrainian children: “19,393 cases of forced displacement of Ukrainian children have been recorded. 4,396 Ukrainian children with special status (orphans and children deprived of parental care) remain in the temporarily occupied territories and in russia.”
The cost of reconstruction and restoration in Ukraine has risen to USD 411 billion
“The war has dealt a significant blow to the economy and social sphere. According to the joint estimate released on 23 March by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission and the United Nations, the cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine has increased to USD 411 billion,” said Oleksandr Korniienko, adding that in 2023 Ukraine will need USD 14.1 billion for critical and priority investments in reconstruction and recovery. “We appreciate the financial assistance provided by our partners to keep Ukraine’s economy afloat,” he said.
The best guarantee of future security both in Ukraine and in the Euro-Atlantic area is Ukraine’s membership in NATO
“The best guarantee of future security both in Ukraine and in the Euro-Atlantic area is Ukraine’s membership in NATO,” the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed, adding that the Vilnius Summit is a unique opportunity for NATO member states to send a concrete signal regarding the further invitation to Ukraine to join NATO – to determine specific plans and prospects for Ukraine’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
“We must maintain unity and determination in making strategic decisions that will strengthen NATO’s collective security and contribute to lasting peace in Europe,” said Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
For reference. On 18-22 May, the First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko is on a working visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.