Ukraine had to recognize the Armenian Genocide long ago, Ukrainian writer Vasiliy Shklyar said.

Commenting on the draft bill on Genocide registered in the Verkhovna Rada, Shklyar told Analitika.at.ua that he is surprised that the issue is being raised only now.

“It hurts when issues of the Armenian Genocide and Holodomor [extermination by hunger] do not receive appropriate assessment. When it comes to such matters, bargaining is inappropriate, the Armenian Genocide must be recognized regardless of political motivations,” he added.

A bill, with respect to recognizing the mass annihilation of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, is registered in the Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council; i.e., the Parliament) of Ukraine on June 6.