🇺🇦🏛️Verkhovna Rada: New Laws and Roberta Metsola’s Visit — Steps Towards Strengthening Democracy and International Alliances
NDU.KR.UA reports on the outcomes of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 17 September 2025, highlighting both strategic legislative decisions and significant international events. The Parliament not only passed key laws but also hosted an important visit — European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, whose presence reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
Key Parliamentary Decisions
Law on the Military Ombudsman
The Verkhovna Rada passed Bill №13266 in its second reading and in full, establishing the institution of the Military Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman’s mission is to monitor the protection of the rights of military personnel, reservists, territorial defence volunteers, resistance movement participants, and law enforcement officers engaged in combat. The Ombudsman will have the authority to access restricted data, review complaints, and conduct inspections, reporting annually to the President and the Verkhovna Rada.
Ratification of the Century-Long Partnership Agreement with the United Kingdom
Parliament approved Bill №0332, which sets a new framework for long-term cooperation with the UK. The agreement includes:
Annual military support of no less than £3.6 billion until 2030/31;
Joint projects in drones, aviation, and artillery;
Development of green energy and critical mineral resources;
Cooperation in science, technology, agritech, culture, and education.
These are legal guarantees of long-term international support and security for Ukraine.
Visit of the President of the European Parliament
On 17 September, the Verkhovna Rada became the stage for a historic event — the visit of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Symbolic Steps Towards Transparency
Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk noted the significance of her visit. During her previous visit, journalists were granted access to the session hall, and this time open broadcasts of parliamentary sessions were launched. For the first time, a foreign leader addressed Ukrainians live on the parliamentary TV channel Rada.
Message of Support
Roberta Metsola stated: “My message today is simple: we will not retreat from supporting Ukraine. On the contrary, we will increase our assistance to ensure you are prepared for the cold winter months.” She announced an additional €40 million in EU humanitarian aid for generators, housing repairs, heating, water, and sanitation.
Deepening Cooperation
Metsola emphasized that the Ukraine–EU partnership is built on trust and practical cooperation. She announced the opening of a new European Parliament office in Kyiv to work with both citizens and Ukraine’s parliament: “Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union. The voice of the European Parliament will be heard here, in the heart of Kyiv.”
Importance for Citizens
Protection of Soldiers and Volunteers — The Military Ombudsman will ensure fair treatment for Ukraine’s defenders.
Long-Term International Support — The UK agreement bolsters defence capabilities and economic stability.
Parliamentary Transparency — Open broadcasts and Metsola’s visit mark a new stage in Ukraine’s democratic development.
European Integration — The opening of the EP office in Kyiv confirms the irreversibility of Ukraine’s European course.
Conclusions and Next Steps
17 September marked a day of significant change for Ukraine: the newly adopted laws strengthen the rights of military personnel and establish strategic alliances, while Roberta Metsola’s visit enhanced European support and parliamentary transparency.
Next steps include:
Launching the work of the Military Ombudsman;
Implementing the UK Partnership Agreement;
Opening the European Parliament office in Kyiv and advancing interparliamentary cooperation.
NDU.KR.UA will continue to inform civil society about the key events shaping Ukraine’s European future.
