While participating in the plenary session of the Riksdag of Sweden, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko shared with his colleagues the experience of the Parliament of Ukraine in the conditions of martial law. In particular, he told how the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine responded to challenges, including security, what has changed and how important the assistance of international colleagues and friends is.
The Ukrainian people and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine have withstood
“The rapid and unexpected invasion of the enemy became a serious challenge for Ukraine and for the security of the Parliament,” said Oleksandr Korniienko. At the same time, he noted that on 24 February, despite the danger of shelling from russia, more than three hundred MPs gathered in the session hall, which is a constitutional majority. The First Deputy Speaker stressed that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine quickly organised stable, uninterrupted and efficient work.
“This is of great importance for the Ukrainian Defence Forces and the common good of the Ukrainian people,” he said, stressing that in these days of significant danger from russia’s aggressive actions against a sovereign country and its direct attack on common democratic values, every parliament in Europe must be prepared to face significant security challenges.
Visits of foreign friends of Ukraine became a demonstration of support and solidarity
In his speech, the First Vice Speaker stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in the fight against the enemy.
“Many of our true friends have visited Ukraine since the beginning of the war. These visits have become a demonstration of support and solidarity with our country and people,” he added, noting that it is also a powerful signal to the enemy that the world is with Ukraine in its heroic and just struggle for sovereignty and independence.
In addition, Oleksandr Korniienko said that since the beginning of the war, more than 80 official delegations have visited the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. “These visits helped to convey truthful and objective information to our international partners, convincing them of the need to provide Ukraine with assistance, including military aid,” the First Vice Speaker said.
Only in unity will we win and restore peace and stability in Europe
The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine wished Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in the near future, “in order to never allow anything like what Ukraine is experiencing today on its land”.
Oleksandr Korniienko expressed his gratitude for all the help and support that helps Ukraine to withstand this brutal aggressive war. In particular, he thanked the members of the Swedish Parliament for their broad support of defence, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including the recently approved thirteenth and fourteenth defence aid packages.
“Only in unity will we win and restore peace and stability in Europe,” the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine concluded.