Ihor Bezkrovainyi and Irene Charalambides in Prague, 12 June 2025PRAGUE, 12 June 2025 – Participating in the 20th GLOBSEC Forum held in Prague on 12–13 June, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President and Special Representative on Fighting Corruption Irene Charalambides (Cyprus) held a bilateral meeting today with Ihor Bezkrovainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine. The meeting focused on the humanitarian mine action, anti-corruption co-operation and international support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction in the wake of Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Charalambides reiterated the OSCE PA’s unwavering support for Ukraine, recalling that the Assembly has placed Ukraine at the forefront of its agenda since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022. She highlighted key milestones in the Assembly’s support, including high-level visits to Kyiv by OSCE PA’s high officials, including President Pia Kauma (Finland), as well as the establishment of the Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine (PSTU) in 2023.
“The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly stands firmly with Ukraine,” Charalambides said. “We are committed to supporting your sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to contributing to Ukraine’s recovery and future through parliamentary diplomacy and practical engagement.”
Charalambides also emphasized the vital importance of anti-corruption efforts in the context of reconstruction. “After every war, there is a heightened risk of corruption,” she said. “If we are to ensure that international assistance truly benefits the people of Ukraine, we must work together to foster transparency, accountability, and good governance.”
The meeting also touched on the OSCE’s ongoing support for mine action in Ukraine and broader recovery initiatives under the Support Programme for Ukraine. Charalambides expressed appreciation for the close co-operation with the Ukrainian Delegation to the OSCE PA, including the active contributions of Mykyta Poturaiev and Artur Gerasymov.
Serving as Special Representative on Fighting Corruption since 2019, Charalambides has actively participated in relevant OSCE PA activities and international forums addressing anti-corruption.
“I look forward to our continued collaboration,” Charalambides concluded, assuring that the OSCE PA will remain a steadfast partner in Ukraine’s recovery efforts.
To download the supplementary resolution on corruption that Charalambides has introduced for consideration at the OSCE PA’s upcoming Annual Session in Porto, please click here.
