Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2023
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU colleagues at the appropriate level continue to bring pressure on Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and restore peace to the area. [6895/23]
View answerThe response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.
The EU has also imposed the most extensive package of sanctions in its history, in response to Russia's aggression, adopting a 9th package on 16 December 2022. A total of 1,386 individuals and 172 entities have been listed to date, and broad sectoral measures have also been adopted. The EU's ban on the import of Russian crude oil came into effect on 5 December, along with a G7 oil price cap. A similar ban and price for refined petroleum products entered into force in February. It is expected that a 10th package will be adopted to mark the first anniversary of the war, further restricting technology exports and introducing new listings. Ireland has consistently supported imposing tough sanctions on Russia. To date, Irish financial institutions have frozen almost €1.8 billion of Russian assets.
EU Heads of State and Government have expressed their firm rejection and condemnation of the illegal annexations of territories in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia,, their resolve to continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine and its people, and to continue to provide strong economic, military, social and financial support to Ukraine for as long as necessary.
In January, it was agreed to increase funding under the European Peace Facility to €3.5 billion. In line with our approach to the initial Council Decision, Ireland will constructively abstain from the Assistance Measure concerning the supply of military equipment, and platforms, designed to deliver lethal force. We will instead contribute our full share to the non-lethal Assistance Measure (this will bring Ireland’s total contribution to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility to approximately €77 million.)
The EU-Ukraine Summit held on 3 February was a further opportunity for the EU to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's ongoing unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and reiterate its commitment both to supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, while increasing collective pressure on Russia to end its war and withdraw its troops.
On 9 February the European Council had an exchange of views in person with the President of Ukraine on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the European Union’s support to Ukraine and its people. The Council emphasised that the European Union would stand by Ukraine with steadfast support for as long as it takes. The Council also agreed that The European Union would maintain and seek to further increase, in consultation with international partners, collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression and to withdraw its troops and military equipment from Ukraine.
EU Member States have remained united in support of Ukraine throughout Russia's war of aggression and I expect this unity of purpose will continue in the coming months.
