Ukrainian Delegation to NATO PA Discusses Support and Pathways to a Just Peace
29 April 2025, 20:09
Yehor Cherniev expressed gratitude to the partners for their sustainable support of Ukraine throughout three years of war and emphasized the need to enhance assistance in light of current challenges. He underscored that Ukraine is prepared for peace — but only for a just and lasting one, without any compromises on territorial integrity or sovereignty. “We have certain clear red lines that we will not allow to be crossed during peace negotiations,” he stated, emphasizing that decisions regarding Ukraine’s future — including its NATO membership — can only be made by the Ukrainian people and the Alliance’s partners.
Yehor Cherniev also called on European partners to provide direct funding for Ukraine’s defense production and to support the establishment of a coalition of the willing aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s security guarantees. He emphasized that Ukraine has significantly increased its own defense manufacturing and possesses the potential to further expand it with the backing of its allies.
Andrii Zhupanyn, People's Deputy of Ukraine, a member of the Permanent Delegation of the Verkhovna Rada to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly highlighted the importance of maintaining sanctions pressure on russia and utilizing the aggressor’s frozen assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction. He stressed that trust in the kremlin is impossible and urged European countries to fully eliminate any future dependency on russia.
Halyna Mykhailiuk, Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and a member of the Permanent Delegation of the Verkhovna Rada to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen air defense systems protecting Ukrainian cities, as well as the importance of symbolic support — particularly the invitation for Ukraine to join NATO at the upcoming summit in The Hague. She stated that sanctions against the russian federation must not only be maintained but also intensified in order to prevent the aggressor from continuing the production of missiles and other weaponry.
During the meeting, Ukrainian parliamentarians also underscored that Ukraine does not recognize any changes to its internationally recognized borders, and that any peace agreement must include credible security guarantees to prevent future acts of aggression by russia.
President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Marcos Perestrello, reaffirmed the Assembly’s unwavering support for Ukraine and emphasized that NATO PA is committed to assisting in the most effective way — both now and in the long term. He noted that the strength of Ukraine’s position on the battlefield directly impacts its position at the negotiating table and stressed the importance of continuing military assistance.
«The outcome of negotiations concerning Ukraine will have global implications for security. Therefore, we must clearly understand that what is at stake is not only Ukraine’s future, but the stability of the entire world,» Perestrello stated. He also expressed support for the efforts of the United States and the European Union in seeking a just and lasting peace, underlining that no compromise with the Kremlin can be allowed to undermine the fundamental principles of international law.
NATO PA Vice President Mikko Savola of Finland recalled his country's historical experience in countering russian aggression and assured that support for Ukraine would remain unchanged. He emphasized the importance of developing Europe's military-industrial complex and the need to maintain sanctions pressure on russia.
Chairman of the NATO PA Committee on Democracy and Security, Javier Maroto of Spain, drew attention to the risks posed by russian propaganda and cyberattacks across Europe. He noted that Europe is now more aware of the threats posed by the putin regime and stressed the importance of continued U.S. support, even during politically challenging times.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their unity in supporting Ukraine and shared a common understanding that peace must be achieved on terms that ensure the genuine security, freedom, and independence of the Ukrainian state.