This visit is a clear and unambiguous signal to everyone: Ukrainians, international partners and the enemy that Ukraine is not alone in its fight against the aggressor,’ said the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, expressing his sincere gratitude to the NATO Secretary General for visiting Kyiv and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: ‘This is an act of great solidarity on the part of the Alliance’.
During the meeting, the parties primarily discussed the security situation. Particular attention was paid to defence needs, primarily additional air defence systems, artillery, drones and anti-drone systems. ‘russia continues to commit crimes in Ukraine, killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure,’ said Ruslan Stefanchuk, stressing that this is why further support from NATO and its member states is important.
In addition, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that Ukraine's membership in the European Union and NATO is enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine: ‘This is the strategic course of our country’. He also noted that this is why Ukraine expects to be promoted to NATO membership at the Washington Summit. At the same time, Ruslan Stefanchuk said that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is adopting many legislative acts aimed at bringing Ukraine closer to NATO.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk said that Ukraine appreciates everything that NATO does. ‘For Ukraine and Ukrainians, NATO is the defence alliance that can help us defend our common principles, for which the best sons and daughters of Ukraine are giving their lives today,’ he said.
As part of his visit, the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also addressed the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.