The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held a telephone conversation with the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic, Lorenzo Fontana, during which they discussed key aspects of a peaceful settlement and security guarantees for Ukraine.
The parties agreed that a ceasefire should be the starting point for any further decisions, and that security guarantees should be a real and effective mechanism, not just declarative statements. It was emphasised that russia has no right to influence Ukraine's future, either in the European Union or in NATO.
Particular attention was paid to the need to increase pressure on the aggressor, in particular by maintaining and expanding sanctions, as well as applying other instruments of influence.
«russia has no right to determine Ukraine's future — neither in the EU nor in NATO. Every initiative for a settlement must be accompanied by pressure on the aggressor — through sanctions and other effective instruments of influence,» Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed.
During the conversation, the parties also exchanged views on key topics for the upcoming G7 Parliamentary Summit in Ottawa and agreed to maintain constant contact and coordinate efforts to achieve a just, lasting and secure peace for Ukraine and Europe.