“Russia’s blatant violation of the international rules-based order in its actions against Ukraine and Crimea in 2014 is a complete transgression of the system”, Greg O’Connor, ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the New Zealand Parliament, on behalf of Adrian Rurawhe, Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of New Zealand Greg O’Connor spoke on behalf of Mr. Adrian Rurawhe, Speaker of the Parliament of New Zealand, starting his speech with a Ukrainian greeting. He noted that at last year’s summit he hoped the war would be resolved in a year, yet Mr. O’Connor is still here, as is the horrific news of Russian crimes. Russia’s blatant disregard for international law and world order is a transgression of the established system.

New Zealand supports Ukraine and respects its territorial borders. In this context, the former Deputy Speaker highlighted the activities of the Verkhovna Rada, paying special attention to the state policy of Ukraine regarding its priorities of de-occupation, reintegration, and restoration of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

As a tribute to Ukrainians, the Member of the New Zealand Parliament James McDowell read the traditional prayer opening the parliamentary session in Ukrainian, instead of the Maori language, which was shown in a video address. Both the prayer and the speech of Greg O’Connor ended with the shout: “Glory to Ukraine!”.