The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with the President of the Congress of Deputies of the Kingdom of Spain, Francina Armengol, the President of the Senate, Pedro Rollán, and His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain during his working visit to the XII Ibero-American Parliamentary Forum in Madrid.
Among key topics discussed were
strengthening the air defence of Ukraine, preparing the energy sector for
winter, military and humanitarian assistance, sanctions against russia, Ukraine’s
European integration, and the development of interparliamentary
cooperation.
During his conversation with the President of the Congress of Deputies of Spain, Francina Armengol, Ruslan Stefanchuk provided an update on the latest russian attacks against Ukraine.
"russia systematically strikes civilian and energy infrastructure; therefore, it is currently especially critical to strengthen Ukrainian air defence and make the maximum use of the time before the heating season begins to prepare the energy sector," emphasized the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Ruslan Stefanchuk handed over a list of the most urgent defense and security needs. They also discussed Spain's potential participation in a project to build an underground school within the Shelter Coalition. Sanctions against russia were addressed separately.
"It is fundamentally important for Ukraine that sanctions circumvention bears real legal consequences and does not remain a means for russia to obtain technology and financial resources to continue the war," he noted.
Among other issues discussed were further support for Ukraine on its path toward European Union membership and the deepening of interparliamentary cooperation. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also invited Francina Armengol to participate in the Fifth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform.
During the meeting with the President of the Senate of Spain, Pedro Rollán, Ruslan Stefanchuk focused on specific areas of assistance to Ukraine: strengthening air defence, preparing the energy system for winter, military and humanitarian support, providing critically needed medicines, and Spain's participation in the Shelter Coalition. Sanctions policy was also addressed.
"Sanctions circumvention cannot remain a lucrative way to help russia continue the war," emphasized the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
During the meeting, Ruslan Stefanchuk presented Pedro Rollán with the Order of Merit, 1st Class — an award from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his significant contribution to supporting our state.
"I particularly value his statement that russia's aggression against Ukraine must remain in the focus of the countries of the Ibero-American parliamentary format, and that the Senate of Spain will continue working with partners to strengthen support for Ukraine," he noted.
The parties also paid attention to further interparliamentary dialogue and a potential visit by Pedro Rollán to Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk invited the President of the Senate of Spain to participate in the Fifth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform.
In Madrid, Ruslan Stefanchuk also met with His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain during the opening of the XII Ibero-American Parliamentary Forum.
"russia continues its war and attacks against our cities; therefore, international solidarity and concrete assistance remain critically important for us," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Separately, he highlighted the significance of the Ibero-American Parliamentary Forum as a platform for direct dialogue with representatives of various countries.
"This is an opportunity to speak directly with representatives of different nations, to convey the truth about what Ukraine is going through today, and to explain why the defence of our state is also the defence of international law and principles shared by the democratic world," noted the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain for supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and conveyed greetings from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.