"We want a just and lasting peace — the end of the war, not of occupation": Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk addresses the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Rome

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, took part in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament held in Rome and held a series of bilateral meetings with Speakers of Parliaments of European states, representatives of international institutions, and the Holy See. The main topics included strengthening support for Ukraine, achieving a just peace, holding russia accountable for its crimes, returning illegally deported Ukrainian children, and Ukraine’s European integration.

During his address at the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk called on his European colleagues not to repeat the mistakes of the past, not to delay necessary decisions, and not to allow the financing of russian aggression. He emphasized that Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace, which will not mean occupation or capitulation.

"I called on my European colleagues not to make mistakes, the consequences of which could be irreversible. Not to be naive in believing that russia can be appeased. Not to be afraid of making necessary decisions. Not to delay, because a missile does not know what government bureaucracy or parliamentary debate is. It flies and it kills. Not to repeat the mistakes of the past. One cannot simultaneously deter and finance a war," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.

During the conversation with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada briefed him on the situation in Ukraine, russian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians.

Special emphasis was placed on assistance to the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war, the return of Ukrainians home, and a possible apostolic visit of Pope Francis to Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to the Holy See for its humanitarian assistance and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

"We are also interested in deepening cooperation with the Holy See at the parliamentary level. A relevant parliamentary friendship group operates in the Verkhovna Rada, and we are ready to develop this dialogue. I am grateful to Cardinal Pietro Parolin for his empathy, attention to Ukraine, and readiness to continue humanitarian efforts," he noted.

The first meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, Ágnes Forsthoffer, was dedicated to the prospects of inter-parliamentary relations, shared historical lessons, humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and its movement towards the European Union. The parties also agreed to work on intensifying cooperation between their parliaments.

"We discussed concrete steps to intensify inter-parliamentary cooperation. I am grateful for the invitation to visit Budapest. For my part, I invited Madam Speaker to Kyiv. Our nations share a complex history. However, it is precisely its lessons that should help us find mutual understanding and build a future where freedom, mutual respect, and good-neighbourliness will be decisive," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.

During the meeting with President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Petra Bayr, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine discussed holding russia accountable for its crimes, compensating for the damage inflicted on Ukraine, and establishing an international compensation mechanism. The parties also addressed the ongoing work on the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children, and the development of veterans' policy.

The issue of returning children was a key focus of the talks with Speaker of the Knesset of the State of Israel Amir Ohana. The parties discussed the possibility of leveraging Israel's experience in hostage release, humanitarian response, and child protection to bolster Ukraine's efforts to bring them home.

"Israel's experience in hostage release, humanitarian response, and child protection can be invaluable to our efforts to bring young Ukrainians home. I am convinced that Ukraine and Israel must strengthen cooperation, exchange practical expertise, and demonstrate unity on issues of peace and justice," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.

The necessity of returning Ukrainian children was also raised by Ruslan Stefanchuk during his dialogue with President of the National Assembly of Slovenia Zoran Stevanović. The parties agreed to continue joint efforts in this direction. Furthermore, they discussed Slovenia's support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union and the deepening of cooperation between the parliaments of both states.

During negotiations with President of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mei Li Vos and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tom van Campen, discussions focused on the situation on the frontline, the intensification of russian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as Ukraine’s needs for strengthening air defence and energy resilience.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada thanked the Netherlands for its military assistance, particularly for the decision to invest €250 million in drones for the Ukrainian Defence Forces.

"I emphasized the role of the Netherlands in holding russia accountable for its crimes. The Hague remains one of the key hubs of international justice, and we appreciate the support for the relevant mechanisms. I am grateful to the Netherlands for its consistent solidarity with Ukraine and its readiness to work together on solutions that will bring a just peace closer," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.

European security issues, the situation on the frontline, russian crimes in the temporarily occupied territories, and international efforts to end the war were discussed by Ruslan Stefanchuk with President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic Lorenzo Fontana.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized the inadmissibility of agreements that would allow the aggressor to continue the war. He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni for confirming Italy's support for Ukraine.

Ruslan Stefanchuk discussed further international support for Ukraine and preparations for the Fifth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform with Speaker of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

"We are working to ensure the broadest possible international representation and to consolidate support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. I am grateful to Lindsay Hoyle, the British Parliament, and the entire United Kingdom for their consistent support, principled stance, and genuine leadership," noted the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.

During negotiations with Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa, the parties focused on support for Ukraine, its European integration, necessary reforms, and the return of children illegally deported by russia. The Latvian side reaffirmed the unwavering nature of its support for Ukraine, regardless of election results or changes in parliament.

Ruslan Stefanchuk also held talks with President of the Nordic Council Ville Väyrynen. Discussions centered on Ukraine’s European integration, the deepening of inter-parliamentary cooperation, and the involvement of the Nordic Council in the parliamentary dimension of the International Crimea Platform.

Strengthening defence support for Ukraine, countering russian attacks, and joint steps to bolster European security were the main topics of the conversation with President of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia Lauri Hussar. Lauri Hussar emphasized the importance of democratic resilience in the face of changes in the international order and reaffirmed Estonia's consistent support for Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the Estonian Parliament for adopting the statement on ensuring Ukraine's victory and Europe's security. Special attention was given to Ukraine's air defence needs, particularly for countering ballistic missiles, as well as support for energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season.

During the talks with the newly elected Speaker of the Folketing of the Kingdom of Denmark, Henrik Frandsen, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada discussed further military, financial, and humanitarian support for Ukraine, the development of the defence-industrial complex, and our state's European integration.

Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked Denmark for its consistent support for Ukraine and its leadership in developing the Ukrainian defence-industrial complex. The parties specifically discussed the Danish model of supporting the Ukrainian defence industry and the Build with Ukraine initiative, which opens new opportunities for joint defence production.

"The Build with Ukraine initiative opens new opportunities for joint defence production. This is precisely how the future European security system should be forged: through shared technology, production, and the strengthening of defence capabilities," noted the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.

During the talks with Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan, Ruslan Stefanchuk discussed Ukrainian-Armenian relations, the situation in Ukraine, and prospects for inter-parliamentary cooperation. He briefed his colleague on russian attacks on peaceful cities and the challenges facing the Ukrainian people, and expressed gratitude to Armenia for its care for Ukrainian children.

"We discussed deepening inter-parliamentary dialogue on both bilateral and multilateral levels. Ukraine is interested in strengthening relations with Armenia. Respect for sovereignty, independence, and international law forms the foundation for security and a peaceful future for our nations," concluded Ruslan Stefanchuk.