"Ukraine Continues a Just Fight for Its Own Land and People": Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk Addresses the XII Ibero-American Parliamentary Forum in Madrid

Press service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
01 October 2026, 20:43

 

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, addressed the participants of the XII Ibero-American Parliamentary Forum in Madrid, which brings together 22 participating countries.

During his address, he emphasized that geographical distance should not be an obstacle to supporting Ukraine and upholding fundamental principles.

"Freedom is not measured in kilometers. Human pain knows no distance and has no geography. And the right of a nation to be the master in its own home cannot depend on which continent that home is located," stated Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Separately, he addressed the countries that have not yet defined their position regarding russia's war against Ukraine.

"I am not asking you to choose between Ukraine and russia. But I am asking you to choose between principles and arbitrariness. Between the right to one's own state and the right to take it away. Between the power of law and the law of power," emphasized the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Ruslan Stefanchuk called on the Ibero-American parliaments to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemn russian crimes, facilitate the return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian children, and support holding russia accountable. He also emphasized the importance of leveraging parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen international support for Ukraine.