In the framework of his working visit to Luxembourg, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko met with representatives of the United States Congress on the sidelines of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
The parties discussed, among other things, the continuation of military assistance to Ukraine, the establishment of a special tribunal for russia’s crimes and the rethinking of the international security architecture.
“American precision weapons and Ukrainian bravery on the battlefield have destroyed many myths about the russian army,” Oleksandr Korniienko said, adding that everyone has recently seen the complete collapse of the myth of the Dagger air-to-ground missiles destroyed by the Patriot system.
He also expressed gratitude for the decision to support the international coalition of fighter jets for Ukraine: “Modern combat aircraft will allow Ukraine to defend its skies and borders.”
The participants of the meeting discussed the rhythmicity and importance of constant supply of weapons. The Ukrainian delegation also briefed their counterparts on the latest missile attacks that are taking place almost daily, particularly over Kyiv.
In addition, the parties discussed the responsibility of the russian federation for the crimes committed, in particular, the establishment of an international special tribunal.
At the same time, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised the need for the world to seek ways to restore international law and world order, in particular, the need to work on a new security architecture. The First Vice-Speaker raised the issue of his own observations and discussions at recent conferences he attended in the Baltic States: “We have already begun to work on strengthening the international order and security architecture – we must continue to work even harder to prevent aggression from happening again.”
The Ukrainian delegates called for support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic path. “We expect specifics from the results of the Vilnius Summit on Ukrainian issues, in particular, an invitation to join the Alliance and security guarantees for Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Korniienko.
The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine invited his colleagues from the Congress to “join forces in forming a new expertise and scrutinising such a shameful phenomenon as ruscism”: “We have to respond to this together – both in the security sphere and in the search for new meanings of the struggle for democratic values around the world.”
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the Chair of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the European Union, thanked the US congressmen for their role in promoting the decision to start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s: "The provision of fighter jets will seriously strengthen our ability to defend ourselves. The experience of the skilful use of Patriot systems has shown the importance of modern Western weapons in this war." At the same time, she urged partners not to create exaggerated expectations from the counteroffensive, as the occupier is still very strong and has large resources, so assistance to Ukraine should continue and be strengthened. "We are looking forward to a qualitative change in the relationship between NATO and Ukraine in Vilnius. Unfortunately, there is no consensus among NATO members on directly inviting Ukraine to join the Alliance, but reaching this political decision is crucial for the future of Europe. More and more partners are realising this, as it is a reality that simply cannot be ignored," she stressed.
For his part, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Ukraine to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Yehor Chernev stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine’s path to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, as well as expanding the international coalition of fighter jets for Ukraine, in particular, providing F-16 aircraft.
Halyna Mykhailyuk, the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Law Enforcement, called for a decision on Ukraine’s future accession to NATO after the war, as well as support for the initiative to create a special body to return Ukrainian children deported to russia, in particular, to develop an international mechanism on this issue.
The member of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence Solomiia Bobrovska noted that during the meeting the US delegation assured of bipartisan support for Ukraine. She noted that her American colleagues said they were inspired by Ukraine’s struggle and stressed that “they are with Ukraine to the very end and will help as much as necessary”. In addition, Solomiia Bobrovska stressed that every day is critical for planning a full-scale counter-offensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is why the time difference between decisions at the Ramstein meetings and the delivery of weapons to the frontline should be reduced.
In conclusion, the Head of the Permanent Delegation of Ukraine to the NATO PA Yehor Chernev presented the American delegation with a piece of the “majestic dagger”, the Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports Andrii Kozhemiakin handed over chevrons of the Defence Forces, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which are defending Bakhmut, and the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko handed over drawings by young Ukrainians from the Educational Centre of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
For reference. The First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko is on a working visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on 18-22 May.