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Stefanchuk called on PACE to strengthen sanctions against Russia during a meeting in Kyiv

Stefanchuk called on PACE to strengthen sanctions against Russia during a meeting in Kyiv

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

23 February 2026, 18:40

Stefanchuk called on PACE to strengthen sanctions against Russia during a meeting in Kyiv — photo: Ruslana Stefanchuk on Facebook

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held a meeting with a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Kyiv. During the talks, he stressed the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia and establish a special tribunal.

This was reported by The Public, citing Ruslan Stefanchuk's statement on Facebook.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which arrived in Kyiv on the eve of the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

During the meeting, Stefanchuk informed PACE representatives about the security situation in Ukraine, as well as the results of his visit to Vienna and talks with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Petra Bair.

He paid particular attention to the need to strengthen sanctions pressure on Russia without the possibility of circumventing them. Stefanchuk also stressed the importance of establishing a special tribunal and bringing the aggressor country to justice for the crimes committed.

The parties also discussed the issue of ensuring Europe's full participation in the peace process.

"Such meetings are important for coordinating positions on key decisions — from peace to recovery. Together we are stronger, and our alliances in the region should only become stronger," Stefanchuk said.

The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also thanked PACE representatives for their support of Ukraine and their presence in Kyiv.

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