Oleksandr Korniienko: The world must not allow impunity for russia’s crimes against Ukraine
25 November 2025, 11:21
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko completed a working visit to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, where he participated in the IV Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform.
This year, discussions on the key consequences of russia’s occupation of Crimea took place with the participation of speakers of national parliaments and representatives of inter-parliamentary organizations. In total, nearly 70 parliamentary delegations were represented. Participants focused primarily on increasing international pressure on the russian federation to stop its aggression against Ukraine, as well as on current security and economic challenges.
Oleksandr Korniienko noted that, in his address, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the international community to take decisive action: «It is extremely important to defend the principles on which Europe is built: that borders cannot be changed by force, that war criminals cannot evade justice, and that the aggressor must fully pay for the war it started — which is why decisions regarding russian assets are essential».
He also reported that the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, emphasized in his speech the need for unity and consistency within the international community regarding Crimea. Ruslan Stefanchuk clearly outlined Ukraine’s position on peace: «We seek peace, but peace that is just and protected from renewed aggression. No recognition of russia’s occupation, no restrictions on Ukraine’s Defence Forces, no veto on Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic course, and no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. Real peace is a combination of security, sanctions pressure, strengthened defence capabilities, and Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO».
According to Korniienko, Ukraine greatly values the participation of all delegations that joined this important format of inter-parliamentary cooperation aimed at concrete decisions and results. He stressed that every voice raised in support of truth strengthens international backing and brings the moment of justice closer.
In addition, during the visit he and Members of the Parliament of Ukraine held a series of bilateral meetings with international partners.
In particular, during discussions with representatives of the Riksdag’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Ukrainian delegation addressed the current security situation in Ukraine and worldwide, as well as the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported to the russian federation.
Oleksandr Korniienko expressed gratitude to Sweden for its unwavering and comprehensive support for Ukraine, including the Riksdag’s decision to provide defence and civilian assistance to the Ukrainian state. He emphasized that accountability for crimes committed on Ukrainian territory is essential. «The world must not allow impunity for murdered Ukrainians, destroyed homes, and war crimes. There must be a clear signal that every action has consequences. russia must be held responsible,» the First Deputy Speaker said.
Cooperation in the defence sector was the focus of discussions with the Chair of the Riksdag’s Committee on Defence, Peter Hultqvist. Korniienko noted that military assistance remains critically important for Ukraine, as russia continues to show no intention of stopping the war.
During a meeting with the Second Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, Julia Kronlid, and the Third Deputy Speaker, Kerstin Lundgren, Korniienko spoke about the situation in Ukraine’s energy sector and the impact of russian missile strikes on the civilian population. «The enemy aims to plunge our country into darkness, leaving people without electricity during the winter period,» he said, stressing the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence. The parties also discussed Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
On the sidelines of the IV Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, the First Deputy Speaker also discussed deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation with the Head of the Legal Department of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dudu Mangu Mangu Dunia, and Member of Parliament Dibenga Mulumba Eric. The conversation included the creation of friendship groups, as well as bilateral cooperation in the fields of food security, trade, defence, and demining.
The IV Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform served as an important venue for consolidating international support for Ukraine, increasing pressure on the aggressor, and developing concrete solutions to protect the Ukrainian people and the country’s territorial integrity.