Roberta METSOLA, EP President, is in Kyiv (Ukraine). She joins Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) for a press briefing.

Ukraine

EU - Ukraine (T)

troubles in Ukraine (T)

press conference

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

president's agenda

solidarity with Ukraine (T)

Joint press briefing by Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) and Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (Original), Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) , We know that the battle was recently appointed president of the European Parliament. Nevertheless, we have already seen and she has proved that she is a true friend to the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian nation, and we are very grateful to her for that.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada), We have discussed the most important issues currently on the agenda, and that is sanctions against the Russian Federation for the invasion. This is humanitarian and military support that the European Union and its members can offer to Ukraine and are provided to Ukraine, and also the Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The prospects of becoming a candidate

SOUNDBITE (Original), Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada), So we discovered that we had no differences in on those most important points. So what remains to me is just to thank the European Parliament and Madam President, of course, personally for their outstanding support and the assistance provided to Ukraine through that extremely important institution for European democracy.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Ruslan STEFANCHUK, Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada), So now I have to mention here also that Madam President is going to participate in the session of the Ukrainian Parliament and present to the session where we will have our opportunity to demonstrate our unity and our support of the European Parliament in our shared hope that the European Parliament, that all the European nations that belong to it will support Ukraine. The Ukrainian people in this war that we have to fight with such unfair chances offered to us by the Russian invasion and the aggression.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Thank you so much, Dear President Stefanchuk, Dear Ruslan. First of all, let me say how honoured to be with you here in Kyiv today. I wanted to come here in person not only to participate as your kind invitation to address the extraordinary session of your parliament today, but also in order for us to meet in person after so many intensive weeks and days during which you have shown such extraordinary bravery, resilience and courage. It is that resistance and courage that has truly revolutionised, you can say, inspired the world.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, It is a testament to parliamentary democracy. It's testament to a shared belief in the fundamental principles. But it is also inspiring to the European Parliament, a parliament that I lead, that our thoughts are first and foremost with all of you, with all Ukrainians who have lost their lives, lost a family member, a relative or a friend. Please believe me when I say that the European Parliament, the European Union and the people of Europe stand with Ukraine. That is why I'm here today, because we stand with you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Let me make three promises to you, dear Ruslan. First of all, Putin's criminal invasion of your country puts Russia in direct confrontation with Europe, the international community and the rules-based world order. That is not something that we will let him do unchallenged. Second, the European Union recognises your country's European ambitions and your aspiration to be a candidate country for accession, and you can count on the European Parliament's full support in achieving this goal.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Third, we will help you rebuild your cities and your towns when this illegal, unprovoked and unnecessary war is over. We have already provided financial, military and humanitarian assistance. This will continue and it will increase. We will take care of your families who have been forced to flee, but that will be until today that they can safely return to their homes and rebuild their lives. Thank you,