Ruslan Stefanchuk Holds a Series of Interparliamentary Meetings in Madrid
02 October 2026, 18:46
In Madrid, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held meetings with the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the President of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Uruguay, Rodrigo Goñi Reyes, and the President of the National Congress of the Republic of Honduras, José Tomás Zambrano Molina. The parties discussed further support for Ukraine, the development of interparliamentary cooperation, and humanitarian initiatives.
During his meeting with the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed gratitude for the consistent support for Ukraine and the principled stance of the Portuguese Parliament regarding the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Particular attention was paid to Ukraine's urgent needs, including air defence, military assistance, energy equipment, and the restoration of damaged infrastructure. Ruslan Stefanchuk handed over a list of Ukraine's current priorities to his Portuguese counterpart, emphasizing the need to step up support ahead of winter.
"russia systematically attacks our cities and energy infrastructure; therefore, protecting the skies, military aid, energy equipment, and restoring damaged facilities remain critically important," noted the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
They also discussed sanctions pressure on russia, including the necessity of countering the "shadow fleet" used to circumvent international restrictions and finance russian aggression. Participation of Portugal in the Fifth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform was addressed separately.
"I appreciate José's words that it is the partners who should be grateful to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for their fight. We agreed to continue our dialogue and cooperation for the sake of a common goal — a just and lasting peace," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.
For the first time directly at the level of parliamentary leaders, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine met with the President of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Uruguay, Rodrigo Goñi Reyes. Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed gratitude to Uruguay for its consistent support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The parties discussed further support for Ukrainian initiatives within the UN and other international formats, the strengthening of sanctions against russia, and humanitarian issues. In particular, they addressed the safety of Ukrainians, child protection, Uruguay's potential participation in the Shelter Coalition, assistance to children from frontline areas, and the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
"It is important for Ukraine that support for our initiatives remain consistent not only at the governmental level, but also in parliaments. We count on Uruguay's active position in international organizations, support for sanctions policy, and humanitarian initiatives aimed primarily at protecting Ukrainian children," noted the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
Ruslan Stefanchuk invited Rodrigo Goñi Reyes to visit Ukraine and take part in the Fifth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform. In turn, the President of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Uruguay invited the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada to visit his country. The parties agreed to continue the initiated dialogue and translate it into concrete areas of cooperation.
During the first meeting with the President of the National Congress of the Republic of Honduras, José Tomás Zambrano Molina, the parties discussed prospects for developing interparliamentary relations and further support for Ukraine.
Particular attention was paid to humanitarian initiatives. In particular, Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked Honduras for joining international efforts to return Ukrainian children and discussed further joint projects regarding their protection and safety.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine invited José Tomás Zambrano Molina to visit Kyiv and continue the initiated dialogue in Ukraine.