Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada speaker emphasizes importance of Latvia's support for Ukraine's accession to EU

RIGA - Latvia's support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union is important, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk said while addressing Saeima today.

In his address, Stefanchuk thanked Saeima Speaker Inara Murniece (National Alliance) who, together with the speakers of the Lithuanian and Estonian parliaments, visited Kiev at the end of March in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and parliament. Stefanchuk thanked the speakers of the Baltic parliaments for supporting Ukraine at a difficult time.

"I feel Latvia's support for Ukraine in the face of the terrible events facing Ukraine," said Stefanchuk. "Russian invaders, Russian oppressors have committed terrible crimes in the regions of Kiev," Stefanchuk told MPs.

Work is under way in Ukraine to terminate cooperation agreements with Russia and Belarus. Supporting relations with Russia and Belarus in any way is unacceptable, said Stefanchuk.

Ukraine has banned use of symbols that the Russian army uses in Ukraine, and Stefanchuk is pleased that Latvia has banned symbols of Russian aggression too.

Stefanchuk also emphasized Latvia's support for bringing Russia to justice in international institutions.

Latvia is also taking other steps to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine, such as termination of cooperation agreements between the cities of Latvia and Belarus. For example, Tukums, Jelgava and many other cities and towns have terminated such agreements. The street where the Russian Embassy in Riga is located has also been renamed.

Stefanchuk thanked Latvia for its support for imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Latvia is doing very much in terms of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Stefanchuk also thanked Latvia for the delivery of weapons, ammunition and other important shipments to Ukraine.

"Each such shipment means that we are not only better able to resist Russian aggression, but also to save lives. I would like to emphasize Latvia's decision that Latvian citizens can take part in the Russia-Ukraine war on the Ukrainian side," said Stefanchuk.

Stefanchuk thanked and praised Latvia for taking in Ukrainian refugees. Many Ukrainians have sought asylum in other countries, and Latvia is a great example of taking in Ukrainian refugees. Stefanchuk also praised Latvia's efforts to strengthen sanctions against Russia, which means that Russia will have fewer opportunities to take aggressive steps against other countries.

The sanctions must become tougher until the goal is achieved, said Stefanchuk. Ukraine is grateful that Latvia supports the initiative to suspend trade with Russia. Russia's oil and gas supplies to Europe is another issue that must be addressed. Stefanchuk thanked the Baltic countries for the fact that Russian gas and oil could no longer be shipped to Europe.

"Dear colleagues, the speaker of Saeima, I am grateful for every decision you make, for every help, for every euro. Only together can we defeat the enemy. We are together, we are in solidarity. The truth is on our side. Glory to Ukraine, glory to Latvia!" Stefanchuk said in closing his address.