"As Ukraine follows the path of European integration, it needs undivided political will. It is an essential platform which should become the basis for dealing with all vitally important matters for Ukraine, including implementation of Minsk agreements, ensuring of stability and introduction of reforms in the country, and further European integration of Ukraine," stressed the Speaker of the Seimas after the meeting with Oleksandr Turchynov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine; Volodymyr Groysman, Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; chairs of political groups of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; and Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine.
Mrs Graužinienė said she understood that the Ukrainian government was forced to act in the difficult conditions brought about by the military actions in the country. She emphasised the necessity of consolidation of all Ukrainian political forces.
"The European Union supports Ukraine's pro-Western path; it is therefore crucial for Ukraine to demonstrate political unity," Mrs Graužinienė asserted.
During her visit at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Mrs Graužinienė wished the Ukrainian politicians not to stop on their path of reforms and keep moving forward. She said that in the immediate future, the EU would be looking forward to making important decisions on the extension of sanctions against Russia and visa-free regime to Ukraine. Lithuania will continue to consistently support Ukraine.
The Speaker of the Seimas continues her visit in Ukraine. On 2 February 2016, Mrs Graužinienė, together with the NB8 Speakers of Parliaments, had meetings with Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine; Mustafa Dzhemiliev, MP and Ukrainian Presidential Envoy for Crimean Tatar People's Affairs; and Refat Chubarov, Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People. They also planed to visit the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and have meetings with representatives of civil society organisations.
