Ruling party to support ratification of U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund Agreement – MP

This was stated in a comment to Ukrinform by Oleksandr Merezhko, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation.

“Our faction will vote to ratify the agreement. We act responsibly and fully understand what’s at stake. This concerns defense support from the U.S. Without ratification, we might not receive vital weapons and air defense systems to protect our cities and save Ukrainian lives,” Merezhko said.

He emphasized that the ruling majority will support the ratification bill during the next parliamentary vote.

“We vote not for ratings, but for results — for the lives of our citizens. Yes, the agreement has sparked public debate. But in politics, choices are rarely between good and bad. Politics is the art of choosing between the completely unacceptable and the relatively unacceptable, in order to minimize risk and harm,” he added.

Merezhko criticized other factions that have yet to take a clear stance on the ratification.

“Playing political games at such a moment is shameful. Some seem more focused on damaging the government than protecting the country. I would respect a clear and honest ‘No’ more than constant delays and excuses,” the MP remarked.

He expressed hope that all MPs and factions understand the importance of securing weapons for

defense and funds for recovery and will support the ratification.

As reported, on April 30, Ukraine and the U.S. signed an agreement to create a U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, aimed at mobilizing global investments into Ukraine.

On May 1, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers submitted the ratification bill to Parliament. On May 6, the Foreign Affairs Committee recommended ratification, and on May 7, it held an additional meeting to finalize editorial changes to the bill.