The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk held a working meeting with the Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the National Assembly of France Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade.
The parties discussed Ukraine’s path to NATO and the European Union, continued defence support for Ukraine, the implementation of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s peace formula, as well as the extension of restrictive actions by the international community against the russian federation.
“At the summit in Vilnius, we want to receive a clear message on the modalities and timeframe of Ukraine’s further movement towards NATO membership,” Ruslan Stefanchuk said. He also noted that Ukraine understands that this path will take some time: “We are ready to go this way and we ask to have the opportunity to discuss the issue of obtaining security guarantees as Ukraine moves towards NATO.”
The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine noted that Ukraine already meets the standards of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, applying the Alliance’s military doctrine, principles and tactics in repelling russian aggression. He stressed that, to date, Ukraine has received political signals in support of its membership in NATO from a number of parliaments: “I hope that the relevant resolution or statement will be approved by the National Assembly of France.”
At the same time, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked France for supporting Ukraine on its European integration path. “Ukraine has fulfilled all seven recommendations that were put to it. We expect an objective and positive assessment from the European institutions,” he said, expressing hope that negotiations on full membership will be launched this year.
On the issue of continuing defence support for Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed the need for long-range ammunition and missiles:
“This is necessary for the successful de-occupation of Ukrainian territory.” He added that combat aircraft are a critical need, thanking France for its support of the “aviation coalition” and stressing that training of Ukrainian pilots is another crucial issue.
“russia does not stop and commits all possible crimes, including the crime of ecocide, by blowing up the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant,” said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, stressing that this should be a prerequisite for a stronger recognition of russia as a terrorist state.
In conclusion, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine thanked France for its powerful political resolutions, as well as military, financial and humanitarian support.
Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade, the Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, said that this was his third visit to Ukraine. He expressed France’s support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.