On 7 September 2021, Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk met with the First Vice Speaker of the Danish Folketing Karen Ellemann on the margins of the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament. On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada, she thanked Denmark for supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as for supporting our country in international organizations, including parliamentary assemblies.

She drew the attention of the First Vice Speaker of the Folketing to the fact that Ukraine considers unacceptable all attempts by the Russian side to engage Ukrainians from the occupied territories to the elections to the Russian State Duma to be held on 17-19 September 2021.

“We urge our partners not to recognize conducting of these elections in the Crimea and in the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Those “elected” in the Crimea and Donbas should not be accredited to participate in events held within international organizations,” Olena Kondratiuk stressed.

The Vice Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament also invited the Folketing to join the Crimean Platform. According to her, this is a new format of international cooperation aimed at promoting the de-occupation of Crimea, increasing the effectiveness of international policy of non-recognition of the temporary occupation of Crimea, restoring and protecting the rights of Ukrainian citizens who fell victim to occupation, strengthening sanctions against Russia.

“All key partners of Ukraine have expressed their support for the Platform. The consolidated efforts of the international community to de-occupy Crimea will help restore respect for established norms and principles of international law, as well as contribute to the non-recognition of any attempts to change internationally recognized borders by force,” Olena Kondratiuk explained.

The parties also discussed issues related to the restoration of the security architecture in the Black Sea, Ukraine’s defence capabilities and the development of the Ukrainian fleet.

“We see how the Ukrainian parliament is opening up to Ukrainian society and to the world. Your successful “Open Rada” project is proof of that. It is important to develop inclusiveness, equality, openness and respect. This will have an educational effect,” said in turn the Vice Speaker of the Folketing.