In the framework of his official visit, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the Speaker of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Sweden Andreas Norlen and members of the Parliament’s committees.
The parties discussed the continuation of military assistance to Ukraine, the implementation of the peace formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, sanctions pressure against the russian federation, and Ukraine’s European integration path.
“A critical issue for us is the continuation of defence support. The transfer of the latest weapons, in particular, Gripen fighters. These are the airplanes that will help us gain an advantage and win in the sky,” the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed, emphasising the need to continue training and exercising Ukrainian soldiers.
He also noted that the peace formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi is a formula for a just peace, in the context of which it is important to bring russia to justice for all crimes committed in Ukraine. “When we talk about a just peace, we cannot ignore the issue of fair punishment for russia and putin, who started this war,” he said, noting that further investigation by the International Criminal Court, the creation and active work of a special tribunal are a priority: "Unlike putin, who demonstrates a public disregard for international law, Ukraine believes that even in times of war, the only way to achieve peace is to rely on international law and the values of the international community.”
“Sweden currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, and I hope that the EU will make an interim assessment of Ukraine’s progress by early July, under the Swedish presidency,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk, adding that Ukraine hopes to start negotiations on full membership in the EU this year.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called on the Riksdag of Sweden to adopt a resolution recognising the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as genocide of the Ukrainian people.
“A number of decisions on providing military, humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine were adopted with a broad political consensus in the hall,” said the Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, noting that support for Ukraine would continue. He informed that the Government has already adopted 11 packages in support of Ukraine, the amount of which is approximately a quarter of the Swedish defence budget.
In conclusion, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the solidarity with the Ukrainian people and comprehensive support for Ukraine, as well as for the military, financial and humanitarian assistance provided. “The Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are doing everything to end this war with a victory for Ukraine. We are grateful to all our partners who stand by our heroic soldiers who are defending the entire civilised world and our values on the frontline,” he said.