The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko held an informative meeting with MEPs Paulus Saudargas, Oliver Schenk and Matej Tonin.
The meeting was held at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 14 April 2025. The main topics on the agenda included the cessation of russian aggression, attacks on Ukrainian cities and the necessary steps at the international level to achieve a sustainable and just peace.
Oleksandr Korniienko thanked the European parliamentarians for visiting Ukraine during the war, on a month full of civilian tragedies. Palm Sunday became a day of mourning: On 13 April, a rocket hit the centre of Sumy, killing dozens of civilians, including children. On 4 April, a similar tragedy occurred in Kryvyi Rih - 19 people were killed, including nine children.
«The European Parliament's assistance is a hope for Ukraine: a hope for peace, which russia does not want, a hope for European integration and stability. I am grateful for the support of every EU country that stands by Ukraine,» he said, noting that in October alone, russia launched more than 2,000 “shaheds” into Ukrainian territory: shelling every day, killing civilians every day.
«There is no time to wait for solutions - they are needed now. russia is demonstrating its genuine approach to peace. Therefore, we call on the international community to take decisive action,» Oleksandr Korniyenko said.
In addition, the parliamentarians raised the issue of autonomous trade measures between Ukraine and the EU, which expire in early June. According to the First Vice-Speaker, it is important to resolve this situation by developing appropriate solutions - the extension of autonomous trade measures or the implementation of an alternative option.
The meeting also explored Ukraine's ongoing efforts to adapt its national legislation in the context of future European integration. Important reforms are being implemented, and a large number of leaders and stakeholders are involved. «We are committed to transformations and reforms and continue to work actively on all tasks. We count on the European Parliament's continued support of our European integration path,» the First Vice-Speaker stressed.
Oleksandr Korniienko expressed gratitude to the European People's Party and the entire European Parliament for supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. «I am grateful to my colleagues from the European Parliament for our dialogue - we are ready to develop cooperation. I am grateful to my friend Paulus for his constant attention to Ukraine,» Oleksandr Korniienko said.