October 13, 2017

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… let us be frank with each other and with ourselves. The aim of the Russian aggression is to destroy democracy, liberal freedoms and human rights. In one place they do this with tanks. In other places – with the help of fake news. …

It is only upon the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine that we can achieve peace and stability in Europe. Ukraine strives for peace as, I believe, everyone does in this hall. I, as the head of state, want peace for Ukraine and Europe. And these are not mere words.

On numerous occasions, Ukraine proved its readiness for peaceful settlement of the situation that was artificially created by Russia. Only in 2017 Ukraine has initiated long-lasting ceasefires for three times – Easter, harvest and back-to-school ceasefires. Russian occupation troops and their proxies violated them all almost straightaway. …

I call on the honorable assembly to continue to pay attention to the issue of respect of human rights in the occupied Crimea and Donbas. …

Ukraine… has to fight a two-front war at the same time. On the front of countering external military aggression, restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity. And on the front of implementing difficult and complex reforms. …

It is very symbolic that on the margins of my visit to Strasbourg I will inaugurate the Star for the Heavenly Hundred at the Strasbourg Alley of the Stars. …By opening the Star for the Heavenly Hundred, we will commemorate their contribution to the history of Ukraine and to the history of Europe. It is our common duty, as regards their memory and sacrifice, to win on both fronts in Ukraine and to strengthen the common values in Europe.

President Petro Poroshenko, addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on October 11 (excerpt from the full text provided by the Presidential Administration of Ukraine).

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