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Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, remotely addressed the Saeima on Thursday, 7 April and thanked Latvia for its significant support for Ukraine at this terrible time when Russia is waging a war against Ukraine.

Before the address, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, pointed out to the parliamentarians that the Parliament of Ukraine continues to work and hold parliament sittings even during times of war in order to adopt the necessary decisions and amendments to laws. Speaker Mūrniece expressed her deepest admiration for the Parliament of Ukraine.

Ruslan Stefanchuk commended Latvia on its decisions regarding the ban of symbols of Russian Federation’s aggression, as well as the support for bringing Russia to justice in international institutions.

The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also highly appreciated the measures of solidarity that Latvia has taken to support Ukraine, including the support for granting the EU candidate status to Ukraine, the support for the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, as well as re-naming the street on which the Embassy of Russia is located.

Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude for the deliveries of arms, ammunition, and other important items to Ukraine. The Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament highlighted that such deliveries not only strengthen the resistance against the Russian aggression, but also saves lives in Ukraine.

Speaker Stefanchuk also commended Latvia’s efforts to strengthen the sanctions against the Russian Federation. It means that Russia’s ability to make aggressive moves against other states will be diminished. The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada stated that the sanctions should be harsher and more severe until the goal is achieved.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine thanked the Latvian public for the provided humanitarian aid and the work done to receive refugees. Ruslan Stefanchuk concluded his speech by stating: “Only together we can defeat the enemy. We stand together, and we stand united. The truth is on our side. Glory to Ukraine, glory to Latvia!”

Saeima Press Service