During the meeting, which took place in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the symbolism of this visit, as it was the first international visit of the Latvian delegation to the Ukrainian Parliament in the new year. He thanked Latvia for its unwavering support for Ukraine since the beginning of russia's full-scale aggression. "First of all, this is military assistance and the decision of the Saeima to allocate 0.25% of the country's GDP to support Ukraine. It is an example for all other countries," Ruslan Stefanchuk noted.
Among Latvia's initiatives to assist Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk particularly noted the creation of the "Drone Coalition for Ukraine," efforts to train the Ukrainian military, as well as the treatment and rehabilitation of our defenders.
During the meeting, a meaningful topic of discussion was Latvia's role in supporting and promoting President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula. "Latvia has become not only ambassadors of the Peace Formula, but also leaders in promoting its important components, such as restoring justice, ensuring food and environmental security, and preventing the escalation of russian aggression," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized.
The Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament expressed special gratitude to the Saeima, the President and the Government of Latvia for supporting Ukraine on its Euro-Atlantic and European integration path. He emphasized that thanks particularly to the efforts of Latvia, Ukraine became a candidate for EU membership, opened the negotiation process and is actively undergoing screening of its legislation for compliance with EU norms.
During the meeting, the importance of Latvia's advocacy in supporting the sanctions policy against the russian federation, creating international compensation mechanisms and holding russia accountable was emphasized. Separately, they focused on the issue of increasing pressure on russia and preparing the 16th sanctions package. "After all, the drones that russia uses to attack Ukrainian cities still contain components from EU countries," said the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament.
In turn, Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, also accentuated the importance of the visit of the Latvian delegation, which demonstrates the tirelessness of Latvia in supporting Ukraine.
"I would like to thank every Latvian citizen, Ms. Speaker, on your behalf, who continues to support, donate and help the front, our people, particularly with humanitarian aid. The existing volunteer movement in Latvia is extraordinary," said Olena Kondratiuk.
Speaking about the new package of sanctions against russia, which is preparing by the European Commission, the Vice-Speaker noted that it is necessary to add to the EU sanctions list those responsible for the forced removal and abduction of Ukrainian children, as well as obstacles to the repatriation of our children home. "This is an important aspect for Ukraine and for me personally, as the parliamentary curator of the direction of the return of Ukrainian children, in which Latvia also crucially helps us. I am very grateful for the international conferences held in Latvia on this topic too," the Vice-Speaker added.
Olena Kondratiuk noted that when it comes to supporting Ukrainian children under temporary protection in Latvia, it is significant that they do not forget and have the opportunity to continue learning the Ukrainian language. "The Ukrainian language is the future language of the EU, unlike the russian language. Therefore, we would ask the Parliament and Government of Latvia to facilitate the opportunity for our children to study in their native language in Ukrainian classes with the involvement of Ukrainian teachers who are in Latvia," she added.
Separately, the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Latvia for the rehabilitation and care of our wounded soldiers. More than 283 soldiers, as the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia informed me today, have already undergone rehabilitation, in particular, in the Vaivari centre.
In response, Daiga Mierinja highlighted that Ukraine remains a priority for Latvia. She emphasized that russia has been waging a genocidal war against the Ukrainian people for the third year. "There is nothing sacred for them - neither holidays, not Christmas, nor New Year. It reflects their attitude towards people, values, and democracy. We see this aggressor spreading like a cancer worldwide by various methods. We must stop it," she noted.
The Speaker of the Saeima underlined the need to shape European policy following the vision of the Baltic countries, strengthen sanctions policy and isolate russia. "This is not only an economic issue but also a political task for the EU," she emphasized.
In addition, Daiga Mierinja reported that the agenda of the Baltic countries includes the issue of closing the Black Sea and Baltic transit corridor in light of the implementation of one of the largest transport infrastructure projects in the EU – Rail Baltica. She called on Ukraine to join this project.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk highlighted the importance of the support provided by Latvia and expressed gratitude for the joint efforts in Ukraine's struggle for victory.
After the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine briefed his Latvian colleagues on the consequences of the attack on the administrative buildings of the Parliament, where committees and departments of the Verkhovna Rada are based.