Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chair of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, calling for heightened support from the European Union for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed Stefanchuk and reiterated the Parliament's commitment to standing with Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a just and dignified peace based on the principle of engaging Ukraine in negotiations that affect it.

Stefanchuk urged the EU to provide additional defense systems, aircraft, and investments to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities.

He highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "Peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we stay strong and put consolidated pressure on the Russian aggressor, in order to defend the civilized world." He further remarked on the broader implications of Russian aggression, suggesting that it extends beyond Ukraine towards European cities such as Warsaw and Brussels.

The Ukrainian Parliament Chair also called for increased sanctions against Russia, stressing that they must be substantial and inescapable to effectively counter the aggression.

He claimed that Russia has crossed numerous boundaries in its conduct of the war and underscored the need for accountability for those responsible for war crimes.

Regarding Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership, Stefanchuk indicated that the reform processes undertaken will strengthen the country and detailed hopes to initiate negotiations on accession during Poland's presidency.

In a preceding debate, European Parliament members discussed potential ceasefire negotiations and voiced a consensus that decisions regarding Ukraine must involve and reflect the perspectives of the Ukrainian authorities.

Discussions highlighted the necessity for Europe to assume greater responsibility for security guarantees and to prepare Ukraine for eventual NATO and EU membership.

Several MEPs also raised concerns about the financial implications for Europe in supporting Ukraine, alongside the proposal to confiscate Russian assets to aid in Ukraine's recovery.

In separate discussions on European defense, Roberta Metsola emphasized the need for Europe to take responsibility for its own security at an informal summit in Brussels.

She called for increased cooperation, financing, and action to strengthen defense capacities across the EU, pointing to the importance of investing in research and development, particularly in technologies such as artificial intelligence to bolster cyber resilience and situational awareness.

European Council President António Costa, ahead of an upcoming meeting of EU heads of state and government, convened a gathering of high-level participants to discuss EU defense strategies.

This informal retreat is scheduled for February 3, 2025, in Belgium and aims to address the geopolitical context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the necessity for enhanced defense capabilities among EU member states.

Discussions will explore harmonized defense spending and cooperation between the EU and NATO as part of a broader strategic framework on European defense.