First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko made a working trip to the Volyn region with the participation of People's Deputy of Ukraine Arsenii Pushkarenko.
Traditionally, the First Deputy Speaker's work in the region began with a tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine. «In Kamin-Kashyrskyi, the memory and deeds of the fallen defenders were honoured on the Alley of Heroes near the city council. These are the best sons and daughters of Ukraine, who are no longer with us, but their names will forever remain in the history of the struggle for their country. Eternal respect!» said Oleksandr Korniienko.
The First Deputy Speaker took part in an off-site meeting of the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (TSC), which focuses on strengthening social protection for citizens affected by the Chernobyl disaster, as well as on issues related to the use of territories contaminated by radiation as a result of this disaster. This time, the TSC meeting, chaired by Arsenii Pushkarenko, took place in the city of Kamin-Kashirsky in Volyn.
Despite the fact that almost 40 years have passed since the Chernobyl accident, its consequences remain relevant, especially in the context of new threats. «In general, the TSC, in addition to resolving a number of issues for Ukrainians, also works for the benefit of national security. Chernobyl is returning to the global agenda and reminding us what can happen if rules are ignored — what threats humanity now faces due to the occupation of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant,» the First Deputy Speaker emphasised.
The TSC members heard information about the results of the review of the decisions of the commissions on determining the status of persons affected by the Chernobyl disaster and other categories of citizens, formed by regional and Kyiv city state administrations. There was also a report on the results of the work of the Pension Fund of Ukraine on pension provision for citizens affected by the Chernobyl accident.
«Step by step, our Temporary Special Commission is putting things in order in matters related to the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, because over almost 40 years, a large complex of unresolved issues has accumulated. People are waiting for fair decisions, and the affected territories must be brought back to life,» said Temporary Special Commission Chairman Arsenii Pushkarenko.
Another important topic of the meeting was the draft law of Ukraine on additional payments to unemployed pensioners who permanently reside in the zone of unconditional (mandatory) and guaranteed voluntary resettlement.
«As always, the Commission brought together key representatives of various authorities to reach a consensus and develop solutions that promote fairness in the relevant area. Six months of fruitful work by the members of the Temporary Special Commission have resulted in achievements in joint activities,» emphasised Oleksandr Korniienko.
At the same time, Oleksandr Korniienko sees one of the tasks of the TSC as ensuring clarity in the payment of benefits to affected citizens who are entitled to them and truly need support. «This is the justice that I always emphasise. I am grateful to my colleagues for their active work to achieve the set goals — a number of steps in this direction have already been taken,» he said, noting the important role of the TSK in controlling the use of land in the exclusion zone, regulating benefits and social payments, and drawing attention to current threats.
During his stay in Volyn, Oleksandr Korniienko also visited the Kosach Estate — the literary and memorial museum-estate of Lesya Ukrainka in the village of Kolodyazhne. «The Parliament's session hall considered a bill on allocating financial support for the renovation of the estate, and now we have been able to see for ourselves the grandeur of this cultural heritage site of our state. According to preliminary data, more than ten thousand tourists visit here every year,» said the First Deputy Speaker, emphasising that Ukraine, in its fight against the russian aggressor, is defending not only its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also historical truth, values and national heritage.
During his working trip, he also met with Svitlana Sydoruk, a volunteer with the All-Ukrainian NGO «Association of Mothers and Wives of Defenders of Ukraine» in the Volyn region, and presented her with a Certificate of Merit from the Verkhovna Rada for her services to the Ukrainian people. «We are grateful for the important work that Ms. Svitlana and her colleagues are doing. Our heroes need help in all areas. A volunteer is someone who makes the impossible possible, maintains constant contact and shows self-sacrifice, always thinking first and foremost about those on the front line,» said Oleksandr Korniienko.