They discussed the security situation in Europe in the context of the Munich Conference and the latest trends in international politics. “Europe has to be strong, there is no other way and we have to take action,” said the President of the Austrian Federal Council.
On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk expressed gratitude to Austria for the humanitarian aid and shelter provided to tens of thousands of internally displaced Ukrainians, including many children.
“We look forward to continued humanitarian support and Austria’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine,” said the Vice-Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament.
She also invited the Austrian federal states to join the restoration of our regions. “We already have successful examples of such ‘patronage’ of other EU countries over the restoration of social infrastructure in the regions most affected by russian aggression, said Olena Kondratiuk.
The parties also focused on the protection of the rights of Ukrainian children illegally deported by russia and those minors living under russian occupation.
“There is a constant threat of militarisation and eradication of Ukrainian identity for 1.6 million of our children in the territories temporarily occupied by russia. In particular, they are completely deprived of the right to learn the Ukrainian language and receive our education,’ Olena Kondratiuk told the President of the Austrian Federal Council.
“We have to work together to return Ukrainian children and tell the world about it,” Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler said.
The Vice-Speaker Olena Kondratiuk, in turn, stressed that she was in full solidarity and grateful for this position.
