The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko met with representatives of the European Committee on Policy and Security, led by the Committee Chair, Lene Vensild.
Welcoming the representatives of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, the First Deputy Speaker expressed his gratitude to the 27 EU states for adopting a consolidated decision regarding the opening the first negotiation cluster on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
"In the very near future, we expect a similar decision regarding the opening of the remaining negotiation clusters. I thank our European partners for their support and unwavering solidarity," Oleksandr Korniienko stated.
According to him, it is parliamentary diplomacy that is currently one of the key factors on Ukraine's path to full membership in the European Union.
"The parliamentary dimension of cooperation plays a crucial role in bringing our victory closer and achieving EU accession. There is still a lot of legislative work ahead regarding the implementation of European integration legislation and harmonisation of Ukrainian law with the European one. The Verkhovna Rada is ready for these challenges," emphasised Oleksandr Korniienko.
During the meeting, the First Deputy Speaker also briefed the members of the EU Committee on the needs of the frontline and the current security situation in Ukraine, in particular, on the recent shelling of Ukrainian cities, the consequences of massive missiles attacks by russia, as as well as Ukraine's urgent need for additional air defense capabilities.
Particular attention was paid to the issue of EU military assistance to Ukraine, discussing ways to strengthen the country's defense capabilities, increasing sanctions pressure on the aggressor state, and further joint steps toward achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.
"For Ukraine, it is crucial to ensure the timely delivery of all types of weapons and ammunition in larger volumes. Air defense remains our top priority: we need additional Patriot systems, SAMP/T, NASAMS, IRIS-T, and HAWK complexes, as well as missiles for them," stated Oleksandr Korniienko.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada also emphasised that Ukraine relies on the effective implementation of European defense support instruments.
"Ukraine also expects expanded participance in joint defence projects. We are convinced that the combination of combat experience of Ukraine and technological potential of Europe will strengthen the security of the entire continent," noted Oleksandr Korniienko.
Representatives of several embassies of EU member states in Ukraine and diplomats from the European External Action Service (EEAS) also joined the meeting with the EU Committee members.
Specifically, the attendees included EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Gediminas Navickas, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland to Ukraine Deirdre Burke, and Head of the Ukraine Division at the EEAS Baiba Tavareza.
Furthermore, the discussion was attended by People's Deputies of Ukraine Olena Khomenko, Lesia Zaburanna, Oleksandr Koltunovych, Larysa Bilozir, Oleksandr Yurchenko, Iryna Gerashchenko, and Bohdan Torokhtiy.
