Denys Shmyhal: The European Parliament demonstrated support and continues to support our state in the struggle for freedom

The support of European integration aspirations of Ukraine and strengthening the sactions policy against the russian federation were among the topics for discussion between the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Kornienko, the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk and the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

"Every day of the war, the European Parliament was supporting and continues to

support our state in the struggle for freedom and common values. This visit is another signal of our strong relations," said Denys Shmyhal.

In a conversation with Roberta Mezzola, the Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine was fully prepared for the next step in relations with the European Union. Our state expects to complete all bureaucratic procedures in shortest terms possible.

The Prime Minister thanked the European Parliament for approval the provision of EUR 1.2 billion in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, as well as for the call to expand the scope of European Union sanctions against russia.

"Ukraine, for its part, calls on its partners to announce another package of sanctions against the aggressor country, as well as to develop mechanisms to prevent circumvention of restrictive measures from previous packages," the Prime Minister stressed.

In particular, the parties discussed the need to:

• limit imports of key russian exports, including oil and gas;

• significantly expand sectoral sanctions and increase the number of banks disconnected from international financial systems, including SWIFT;

• close ports for russian ships as well as for ships whose last or next port of destination is in russia.

The Ukrainian side also calls for continued pressure on russian high-ranking officials and oligarchs by not only arresting but also confiscating their property and assets in Europe.

"We must be sure that this property will not be lost and may be the subject of reparations in the future," emphasized Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister highlighted that only in unity, with a joint front of concerted action, the civilized world can stop russia.