Olha Stefanishyna: Ukraine expects decisive steps from NATO summit for security of both the Alliance and Ukraine

The outcome of the NATO Summit slated for June 28 -30 in Madrid should be decisive steps to strengthen the security of both the Alliance and Ukraine, stressed Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius.

She stressed that the democratic world has no other choice but to do everything to stop russia.

"Some people are scared of russia’s defeat or simply do not believe it possible. But I ask you to imagine for a minite the world in case of Ukraine's defeat. We, Ukrainians, are very well aware what russia's victory will look like, because we know what russia's occupation looks like today. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians live in fear and terror. With russia's victory, there will be no hope for a safe and free life on the European continent; the rules will be determined by force, not by international law," emphasized Olha Stefanishyna.

"Sanctions, weapons and support for our economy are the key to Ukraine's victory in this war. And a clear prospect of Ukraine’s membership in the EU is a critical step to increase the country’s resilience and further reconstruction," the Deputy Prime Minister said. "The ambiguity policy that used to prevail among the Euro-Atlantic area states has sent a signal to the dictatorship that the international order can be changed in its favor through war, even by paying for it with European money. Thousands of Ukrainians have already fallen victim to such policies. It is vital to immediately break the chain of energy dependence on russia and provide Ukraine with all types of weapons that will allow it to move from defense to counteroffensive."

The top official called on NATO parliamentarians to step up pressure on their governments to gain the necessary support for Ukraine and further isolate russia. Among the necessary steps, in particular, she voiced:

- trade embargo on imports of russian energy resources;

- closing all opportunities to circumvent sanctions;

- directing frozen financial resources for compensation to Ukraine;

- refusal to pay in russian rubles;

- disconnection of all russian banks from SWIFT;

- extension of individual sanctions and visa restrictions;

- ban on broadcasting all russian propaganda channels.

"Today, when considering the membership of Finland and Sweden, it is essential to remember that Ukraine applied for NATO membership in 2008, we did not withdraw it and it remains in force," said Olha Stefanishyna.