Volodymyr Groysman talks about dealing with corruption, restraining Russian aggression and the meaning of the association agreement with the EU at the EP's 'Ukraine week'.

'Moscow holds the key' - Ukraine parliament chair

A Ukrainian week  at the European Parliament

to discuss the way forward  for Europe's neighbour.

EuroparlTV met with Volodymyr Groysman,  President of the Ukrainian Parliament.

Can the Minsk Agreement  and subsequent ceasefire hold?

And what of their relations with Russia?

Mr Groysman, thank you  for joining us on EuroparlTV.

Now, what is the situation like in Donbass?  Are you scared of Russian presence there?

I think it is quite obvious that  in the 21st century

when the borders of  an independent state are violated,

this should concern everyone  on the European continent.

That is why I think  the Russian aggression is a challenge

to the entire civilized world,  to democracy, international law,

and the values on which  the modern world is based.

Those are freedom, inviolability  of borders, sovereignty of the state.

And that is why I believe that  the entire world should be concerned.

But is the Minsk Agreement holding?  Is a ceasefire holding?

We are fully committed to the  implementation of the Minsk Agreements,

which one cannot say  of the Russian Federation.

Today Russia is doing everything it can  to escalate violence.

And you know, my day at the office begins  with looking at reports from the front:

how many instance of shooting and shelling  by Russian mercenaries took place,

how many people, God forbid,  were killed or wounded,

That is why Ukraine makes progress in the  implementation of the Minsk Agreements,

while Russia, on the contrary,  is not fulfilling its obligations.

Is there going to be a military response?

Well, it is obvious that the Minsk  Agreements must be implemented,

also by the Russian Federation, and one  should increase pressure on the Russians

to implement them and to respect  the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

I have the following message,  and everyone should understand this

regardless of the place or country  where they live.

If the aggressor is not forced  to renounce the aggression,

he will keep on looking for a new victim.

Now you also talked about tools.  EU ministers came to the region

and they proposed the idea of  local elections in Donbass.

Is that something that  Ukraine would be in favour of?

But to be able to hold elections,  the elections must be democratic,

and they must be held  according to Ukrainian law.

And for that we need Russia to withdraw  their mercenaries, to withdraw weapons.

The control over the state border  should be regained

so that the Ukrainian political parties  may take part in these elections,

and the elections must be  open and democratic.

Now coming to the EU-Ukraine Association  Agreement, which came into force on 1.1.,

your country is in economic crisis.  So has it all been worth it?

In any scenario, the Association Agreement  should be regarded as an opportunity

to stimulate the growth  of the national economy.

In fact we are undergoing  a serious economic crisis

and we need a very precise  strategic action plan.

and the parliament is keen to see it  handled with the utmost professionalism.

But what have you specifically asked  from the Parliament in your meetings,

I wouldn't say we're asking for anything.

We are developing a dialogue of equals  and outlining a joint action plan.

And now, during the Ukraine week,  we have outlined a joint action plan

for using the experience of our  European partners and their support.

As for the reform of  the Ukrainian parliament,

it should become a leading democratic,  legislative, European institution in Ukraine.

You talked about the ambitious reform  of the Ukrainian parliament.

But the transition to democracy  has been slow and corruption is rank.

So how are you going to  turn all of this around?

There must be a set of actions that would  encompass not only the punishment

and the inevitability of punishment  for corrupt actions

but that would also establish rules  that make corruption impossible.

Less government regulation. Improving  the quality of public administration.

Decentralisation of power. Development of  local government and local democracy.

Creating a high-quality justice system  - that is also affected by corruption.

Establishing the institutions  that will fight corruption efficiently.

The parliament passed all  the necessary decisions last year.

And then just lastly, do you dream of  one day recovering Crimea?

And would that be via  a political or military solution?

I dream of it indeed. Millions, tens of  millions of Ukrainians dream of it.

I'm convinced that all those who live on  the European continent should dream of it.

Crimea's homecoming will mean a final  peace and a pacification of the aggressor.

And I would like to see it come about  via democratic and diplomatic means.

But the path to Crimea's peaceful return  goes through Moscow, they hold the key.

Whether Russia is going to pursue that  through diplomatic means

or some other means,  that will be Russia's choice.

But I'm convinced that the civilized world  will provide an adequate response

to any scenario  that would come from Russia.

We have to leave it there, but thank you  very much for joining us on EuroparlTV.