Ukrainian lawmaker in Taiwan, looking to learn about cybersecurity

Taipei, Oct. 25 (CNA) A visiting Ukrainian parliamentarian has thanked Taiwan for its support since Russia invaded her country in February and said she hoped to learn from Taiwan’s advanced security systems while in Taipei to combat Russia’s cyberattacks.

“Right now Ukraine is at the forefront of that (fight for survival and democracy) and we need everybody as our allies,” said Kira Rudik, leader of the liberal political party Holos, in an online interview with CNA on Monday.

“And this is why it is so important to acknowledge the support that Taiwan was giving to Ukraine, and the support is increasing and I want to extend my gratefulness for that.”

In Taipei to attend the 11th Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy from Oct. 25 to 27, Rudik said Taiwan is now perceived as a Ukraine ally and like Ukraine is fighting for its freedom, as seen by Chinese military drills following a visit by United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August.

People in Ukraine have received good wishes from Taiwan and saw video clips of demonstrations held in Taiwan standing in solidarity with her country, “and this is very important to us,” she said.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Taiwan’s government has joined the world’s democracies in condemning Moscow and in implementing economic sanctions against Russia.

The government also raised nearly US$33 million in donations for Ukraine from Taiwanese through the Relieve Disaster Foundation.

The funds were delivered through four disbursements to Kyiv, to seven medical institutions, to Eastern and Central European and Baltic nations that have taken in Ukrainian refugees, and to related nongovernmental organizations in war-afflicted parts of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian lawmaker, who serves on her parliament’s committee for digital transformation, told CNA that beyond attending the assembly she also was hoping to learn from Taiwan’s advanced cyber security systems and its experience in combating cyberattacks.

She said Ukraine is moving forward with developing its own systems to support its troops, and she was interested in discussing digital transformation with representatives of the digital world here in Taipei.

Asked what advice she has for…