Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, has begun his official visit to Latvia, where tomorrow, on October 24, the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform will start.
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament began his visit by meeting with the Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, Daiga Mieriņa. Ruslan Stefanchuk first expressed his gratitude for all the assistance that the Latvian people and the government of the Republic of Latvia have consistently and tirelessly provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Expanded talks between the delegations of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia also took place. During the joint session of the delegations, the head of the Ukrainian Parliament highly appreciated Latvia's defense support for Ukraine, including the latest assistance package, as well as Latvia's help in training Ukrainian soldiers, providing medical treatment, and facilitating rehabilitation.
"Special thanks to Latvia for its continued efforts in promoting the Ukrainian Peace Formula, its unwavering support for our country's membership in the EU, and its strong backing of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration," Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized.
Following the joint session of the delegations, Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk and Speaker Daiga Mieriņa made a joint statement to the press.
Ruslan Stefanchuk first expressed his gratitude to Latvia for hosting the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform.
He informed the delegations agreed to establish a Ukraine-Latvia Parliamentary Assembly. "This Assembly will reflect the modern strategic level of cooperation between our parliaments," noted the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament also presented the Victory Plan to his Latvian colleagues. "It is significant that our Latvian colleagues not only provide full and unconditional support to the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom and independence, but they also understand and endorse the Victory Plan, which was presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on October 16 this year in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine," Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized.
Additionally, he reported that during the meeting, the delegations discussed in detail how Latvia can assist Ukraine in matters such as lifting the ban on the use of long-range weapons against military targets on russian territory, ensuring effective protection of Ukraine’s airspace, accelerating Ukraine's NATO membership, holding russia accountable for war crimes, and compensating for the damage caused by the aggressor. They also discussed the implementation of the Victory Plan and the implementation of President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula.
"Our views on how to achieve victory and return to peaceful life are fully aligned," Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed.
In turn, Speaker Daiga Mieriņa noted that on the same day as the Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, the delegations would discuss the fifth point of the Peace Formula, specifically the UN Charter and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The Speaker of the Saeima also mentioned that one of the central discussion topics was President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan and how Latvia could further enhance its implementation.
She emphasized that supplying Ukraine with weapons without restrictions is crucial for the Victory Plan’s implementation. "Ukraine has the full right to ensure its security, including conducting strikes on targets in russia to protect itself," Daiga Mieriņa emphasized.
The Speaker of the Saeima reminded that Latvia has committed to allocating 0.25% of its GDP for military support to Ukraine. "Through our actions, we will set an example for all international partners in providing military aid to Ukraine," Daiga Mieriņa stressed.
Furthermore, she highlighted that Ukraine's participation in NATO is a vital part of the Victory Plan. This is one of the prerequisites for ensuring long-term security in Europe.
"We sincerely hope that at next year's NATO Summit, we will be able to make a political decision to invite Ukraine to join NATO," Daiga Mieriņa emphasized.
In conclusion, the Speaker of the Saeima assured that Latvia supports Ukraine at all levels in its fight against russian aggression and will continue to do so consistently. "Therefore, organizing the Summit is another aspect of Latvia’s support for Ukraine. During the Summit, we plan to discuss how to hold accountable all those responsible for war crimes and how to strengthen sanctions policies to limit russia's resources for waging war," Daiga Mieriņa emphasized.