The parties discussed a number of important issues, in particular, further defence support, Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration, the implementation of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, as well as strengthening sanctions against the russian federation.
First of all, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that he highly appreciates the unprecedented support package for Ukraine – the Nansen Programme, which continues to work effectively for our victory and European security.
In addition, he noted that the Storting is currently considering the draft budget for 2024 submitted by the Government of Norway. Therefore, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine asked to consider the possibility of increasing the “military part” of the Nansen Programme in it, similar to what was done in the current 2023 budget.
“Ukraine is counting on Norway’s continued support for strengthening our defence capabilities, primarily through air defence systems, supplies of artillery shells, tanks and armoured vehicles, as well as F-16 fighters,” Ruslan Stefanchuk said, while expressing gratitude to Norway for training and rehabilitation of the Ukrainian military.
On the issue of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic path, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that Ukraine is looking forward to the Summit to be held in Washington. He also appealed to the Storting to adopt a resolution to support Ukraine’s future membership in NATO and to provide clear prospects for this path.
At the same time, Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked both the Parliament and the Government of Norway for the support of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi. He said that a summit dedicated to the implementation of the Peace Formula would soon be held and urged his colleague to engage other countries in supporting the Ukrainian initiative.
“Tightening sanctions is a limitation of russia’s economic and military potential,” the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine stressed, noting that any exceptions to sanctions set a precedent for their further easing.
Finally, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine addressed the Storting of Norway on the recognition of the Holodomor of 1932-33 as genocide of the Ukrainian people, noting that this year Ukraine will commemorate the 90th anniversary of this tragedy.