Ukraine's path to EU, NATO: Stefanchuk counts on Poland, Baltic States’ support
This was stated by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, who made a joint statement to the media along with the heads of the parliaments of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in Białystok in the north-east of Poland, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
Stefanchuk noted that the war unleashed by Russia concerns not only Ukraine as it poses a threat to other civilized nations. He thanked partners for not abandoning Ukraine three years into the full-scale invasion and ten years since the launch of Russian aggression. He spoke of informational, political, military, humanitarian, and financial aspects of support provided by Poland and the Baltic States.
He said he would discuss joint efforts against Russian aggression with the heads of partner parliaments, briefing them on Ukraine’s current needs and battlefield developments. The Rada chair clarified that the lifting of restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine, the issue of airspace protection, training and education of the Ukrainian recruits, and restoration of energy infrastructure will be on the agenda.
Stefanchuk recalled that a peace summit will be held in Switzerland on June 15-16, where participants will not discuss peace at any cost or capitulation, but consider ways toward "just and ultimate peace, where all countries that support Ukraine's civilizational choice and fighting for democracy will stand with Ukraine".
According to the Rada speaker, Ukraine is waiting for the opening and completion of full-fledged negotiations on European integration.
"We really hope for January 2025, when EU presidency will rotate to Poland before being taken over by Lithuania and Latvia, and we really hope to return to our European home," stated the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
He emphasized that Ukraine's accession to NATO is beneficial not only for Ukraine, but also for the entire Alliance.
"Today, you won’t find a more capable army on the eastern border of the Alliance than the Ukrainian one. Therefore, we are ready to share all the experience that Ukraine has gained throughout the war," Stefanchuk emphasized.
He said he was looking forward to his Polish and Lithuanian counterparts arriving in Ukraine in the near future and delivering an address to the Ukrainian Parliament.
The heads of the parliaments of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia reiterated readiness to further support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and fast walking the path to the EU and NATO, and also spoke in favor of the further expansion of sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
Photo: Stefanchuk, Facebook
