Ukraine needs the support of the international community now as Ukraine's recovery is not a matter for tomorrow, but today. What is needed most now is military assistance from allies for Ukraine to restore its sovereignty—to stop the aggressor and regain its territory. This was emphasised by Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, during her meeting with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine, in Lugano, Switzerland. The Speaker of the Saeima is currently on a working visit to Switzerland, where she is taking part in a conference on the recovery of Ukraine.

The Ukraine Recovery Conference shows that the democratic world is united in support of Ukraine. But this is only the beginning—there is a long and difficult road ahead. It is important that assistance is based on Ukraine's needs and is well-coordinated, said Speaker Mūrniece.

We in Latvia are well aware that the Ukrainian people are also fighting for our freedom in this war. Therefore, the support of our country and society for Ukraine's victory is self-evident in all areas—political, military, and humanitarian—said the Speaker of the Saeima. Speaker Stefanchuk stressed that millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes and that the international community’s support to them is invaluable.

Both Speakers of Parliament agreed on the necessity for the international community to find an effective mechanism to hold the aggressor accountable. The committed war crimes must not go unpunished, stressed Speaker Mūrniece. Sanctions should be strengthened until Russia stops its aggression, withdraws its troops from the currently occupied territories, and agrees to pay for the recovery of Ukraine. The confiscated Russian assets should be used for the recovery of Ukraine.

Speaker Stefanchuk thanked Latvia for its leadership in actively advocating candidate status for Ukraine. The Speaker of the Saeima noted that this decision had also united the EU countries themselves.

Saeima Press Service