State resilience must be strengthened at all levels: from the frontline and diplomacy to every community — Oleksandr Korniienko

The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko paid a working visit to Cherkasy Oblast.

 During a working visit, the FIrst Deputy Speaker gave a speech at Cherkasy Authority (Starostas) Forum and discussed with representatives of local communities key challenges related to the situation at the frontline, Ukraine’s European integration, and energy security.

Additionally, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised that the next two or three months will be critically important in preparing for the hitting season. However, due to the likelihood of further attacks by the aggressor, it will not be easy for local communities to prepare for winter.

“Cherkasy Oblast is one of the regions that consistently and effectively deals with air attacks and the destruction of enemy drones. At the same time, we are entering summer with the understanding that the aggressor will attempt to exploit peak energy load periods,” Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised.

The First Deputy Speaker also discussed with community starostas the situation on the frontline, security challenges for the regions, and the importance of continued pressure on the aggressor.

“Any ceasefire for the enemy is empty rhetoric. Only through active ‘diplomatic-sanctions’ efforts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — precise and painful strikes on russian targets — can we see processes of destabilisation in the economy and state governance of the russian federation,” Oleksandr Korniienko noted.

He also recalled that the position of Ukrainians is firm: a just peace is possible exclusively on Ukraine’s terms, without any compromises at the expense of its citizens or territories.

 A separate part of the discussion focused on support for veterans, as well as efforts to facilitate their return to civilian life and reintegration into communities.

According to Oleksandr Korniienko, the reintegration of veterans is one of the priority tasks. In particular, representatives of local authorities and self-government bodies should already be building close ties with veterans, both men and women, as well as their families, in order to form an effective support system.

“The state is building a system of patronage and cooperation, but it is at the local level that veterans and their families must find a reliable partner. When the return of our defenders becomes mass-scale, these efforts will be vital,” Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised.

He added that this is how the strengthening of state resilience takes place simultaneously at all levels — from international diplomacy and the frontline to every Ukrainian community.

Oleksandr Korniienko separately highlighted decisions of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine aimed at ensuring the macro-financial stability of the state.

According to him, Ukraine has already received large-scale credit support from the European Union. In the coming weeks, the Verkhovna Rada will ratify an agreement that will unlock the disbursement of funds to the state budget.

The First Deputy Speaker stressed that, in parallel, consistent work continues on advancing Ukraine’s path towards membership in the European Union.

“Finding a common denominator among 27 member states is a challenge, but we are confidently moving along this path. New powers delegated by the state must be backed by resources,” Oleksandr Korniienko summarised.

As part of his working visit to Cherkasy Oblast, the First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko, together with representatives of parliament and the government, took part in a strategic dialogue on cooperation between authorities and communities aimed at developing the healthcare system at the regional level.

 According to him, cooperation between government, the Cabinet of Ministers, and local self-government is now a key prerequisite for high-quality medical care in every community.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the results of the relevant ministry’s work over recent years. They also discussed a consistent increase in funding and the launch of new initiatives, such as this year’s screening programme, which requires active local-level communication.

“War creates extremely complex conditions, increasing the burden on the system. Therefore, our joint response to demographic and healthcare challenges must be as fast and well-coordinated as possible,” Oleksandr Korniienko said.

The First Deputy Speaker also inspected local healthcare facilities and working conditions of medical staff. He visited the Smila City Hospital.

Oleksandr Korniienko stressed that the main challenge today is retaining medical personnel in the regions.

He called on local self-government representatives to actively contribute to creating adequate working conditions for young professionals, including providing housing, financial incentives, and comprehensive support.

“Our doctors are highly skilled professionals, and we must jointly ensure that they continue working in Ukrainian hospitals. Only through partnership will we be able to retain talented young specialists and ensure the quality of healthcare services in every region of the country,” he concluded.