Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, held a meeting with members of the National Council of the Republic of Austria.
The meeting took place on an important day for Ukraine—the Day of Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred—heading into the fourth anniversary of the start of russia’s full-scale invasion, which remains a key threat to the security of Europe and stability across the whole continent.
«russian aggression has been going on for 12 years. In fact, Ukraine has been fighting for 12 years, in particular, for its right to be a member of the European family,» stressed the First Vice-speaker Oleksandr Korniienko.
Welcoming the Austrian delegation to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniienko noted that during a time when Ukraine is resisting russian aggression, parliamentary diplomacy became one of the pivotal instruments for consolidating international support.
According to the First Vice-speaker, European unity is more important than ever today. «We are traditionally committed to maintaining active and productive interparliamentary dialogue with the Austrian National Council,» he said, adding that joint efforts with partners can ensure peace and stability on the European continent.
The First Vice-speaker expressed gratitude to the Austrian National Council for all the financial and humanitarian help provided for Ukraine, as well as for adopting resolutions in 2025 in support of Ukraine, specifically on the return of Ukrainian children and on conviction of violations against human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and the inhumane treatment of prisoners of war.
«I pointed out the importance of the initiative called “Neighbour in Need,” which was launched in Austria at the beginning of the full-scale war and made it possible to get the support of the entire Austrian society,» said Oleksandr Korniienko, adding that Ukraine is also grateful to Austria for its consistent support for Ukraine’s European path and its constructive stance within the European Union.
Separately, the First Vice-speaker thanked the Republic of Austria for its contribution to the restoration of the Ukrainian energy system: in January 2026, Austria allocated €3 million for Ukraine’s «winter» needs.
During the meeting, he reported that Ukraine has already overcome the peak energy crisis, but attacks on energy infrastructure are continuing. Therefore, the state’s efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable groups of the population, the prompt restoration of energy networks and the development of decentralised energy sources.
The First Vice-speaker emphasised that Ukraine understands russia’s tactic—strikes are primarily directed at metropolitan cities, where most people live. Despite this, our country has adapted to the new conditions and is systematically increasing the resilience of its energy and social infrastructure.
Concluding the meeting, Oleksandr Korniienko expressed his hope for continued support for the initiatives of Austria and the Austrian Parliament aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace, as well as providing Ukraine with reliable security guarantees.