The S&D Group is pleased that the general elections in Ukraine were held in a democratic manner and acknowledge the positive preliminary results.

S&D Group president, Gianni Pittella, stated:

"We welcome the preliminary results of the parliamentary elections in Ukraine which clearly reflect the European aspirations of the Ukrainian people and the desire for peace and prosperity.

“We welcome the decision of the citizens to put Ukraine in the modern and democratic truck in line with European Union and European values.

 “We now call on all winning parties to start negotiations to form a strong and inclusive government which will be able to provide solutions to the problems the country is facing.

“Ukraine needs very deep economic and institutional reforms in order to aspire to a genuine European perspective. On the other hand, the EU must help Kiev on the path of peace stabilisation and the democratisation process.
 “We further call on the future government to fully respect human rights and civil liberties for all Ukrainian citizens and the rights of minorities.”

S&D Group spokesperson during this election observation mission to Ukraine, Tibor Szanyi, added:

"With the beginning of winter and the continuously deteriorating economic situation, Ukraine needs our full support both in diplomatic and financial terms. A large percentage of the Ukrainian population lives in poverty and cannot afford high energy prices and additional austerity measures.

"We need to help Ukraine to reach an agreement with Russia on gas and make sure that the international assistance will be used to provide social assistance to those in need."