President Metsola in Kyiv reaffirms Parliament’s continued assist to Ukraine | Information

She additionally met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the faction and group leaders of the Verkhovna Rada and opened the brand new European Parliament’s liaison workplace in Kyiv.

This marks the President’s fourth go to to Ukraine because the begin of Russia’s unlawful conflict of aggression.

Meeting with President Zelenskyy

Presidents Metsola and Zelenskyy mentioned advancing on Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, the European Parliament’s continued steadfast assist, extra focused sanctions towards Russia and using income from Russian frozen belongings for Ukraine’s defence, restoration and reconstruction.

After their assembly, Presidents Zelenskyy and Metsola addressed the press. President Metsola stated:

“Europe will not back down in its support to Ukraine. We will continue to weaken Russia’s war machine through coordinated and strong sanctions. We will boost our humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support for Ukraine, and we will further intensify our cooperation with international partners and invest in Ukraine’s own production. We are committed to completely move away from Russian oil and gas and look to reliable and secure partners as we also tackle Russia’s shadow fleet. This is how we move closer to peace.”

You can watch a recording of the joint statement to the press.

Meeting with Chairman Stefanchuk and Rada tackle

In the morning, President Metsola met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, earlier than addressing the plenary session in Kyiv. After their assembly, President Metsola and Chairman Stefanchuk addressed members of the press.

President Metsola stated:

“We discussed about strengthening the ties between our two Parliaments. Ours is a partnership built on mutual trust, respect and very practical cooperation. We will continue to build bridges between Ukraine and Europe, including through our new European Parliament office.”

You can watch the statement to the press ahead of the address to the Rada.

Address to the Rada

In her tackle, President Metsola stated:

On EU standing with Ukraine:

“The European Union has already mobilised 169 billion euros, including 63 billion euros in military support. We are moving forward on frozen Russian assets. We are increasing investment in Ukraine’s defence industry, expanding procurement from Ukrainian manufacturers, and moving forward with new joint initiatives like the Drone Alliance.”

On peace:

“Our position is clear: peace must be permanent; it must be based on justice, and it must be based on dignity. A peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.”

On safety ensures and EU membership:

“We continue to push for security guarantees, and we are working with our partners to make them real. We are ready, determined and able. Joining the European Union is a security guarantee in itself, and we are moving forward together on that path. Europe must match the progress that Ukraine has already made”.

You can read the full speech and watch a recording of the address to the Rada.

Programme in Kyiv

In Kyiv, President Metsola additionally met with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. Together, they visited Bilhorod Academic Lyceum, which was hit by Russian missile strikes that claimed the lives of three employees members. It is at present being rebuilt with the assistance of EU funds.

President Metsola additionally visited the EU Delegation to Ukraine, which additionally hosts the newly opened EP workplace and one among a number of buildings impacted by yet one more Russian air strike and met with EU employees working there.