Ukraine War

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Questions (412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 440, 442, 444)

Neale Richmond

Question:

412. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his work at European Union level in response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. [18298/22]

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413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts in regard to the Russian attack on Ukraine. [15296/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

414. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he sees a role for Ireland in promoting an early ceasefire in Ukraine. [16687/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

415. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the Ukrainian issue was discussed during the course of discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts. [15297/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

416. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he directly or through the European Union or the United Nations can bring about a ceasefire and withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine. [16688/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

440. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action that can be taken at European Union and United Nations level to challenge the atrocities taking place in the Ukraine with particular reference to the principle of the scorched earth policy being pursued by Russia against the Ukraine; if a charge in the international criminal courts can be sustained by the perpetrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23415/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

442. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the European Union continues to make itself less dependable on the Russian Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23417/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

444. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is activated in a response to the invasion of the Ukraine; if this is likely to manifest itself in the short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23419/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 413, 412, 414, 415, 416, 440, 442 and 444 together.

Ireland has been staunch and unwavering in its support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.Since Russia's further invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, my officials have formally registered Ireland's opposition to Russia's actions with the Russian Ambassador. Ireland stands ready to support any initiative which can deliver peace, in line with international humanitarian law as well as international human rights norms and standards, and which respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

I witnessed with my own eyes the shocking aftermath of the devastation in the Ukrainian town of Bucha. I expressed to the Mayor of Bucha, Mr. Anatoliy Fedoruk, the sincere condolences of the Irish Government and people. I committed to bearing witness to these terrible atrocities and to raising the situation internationally. Those who perpetrated these heinous crimes must be brought to justice.On 19 April, as I promised to the mayor of Bucha and Foreign Minister Kuleba, I briefed the UN Security Council on my visit to Ukraine. I described how I stood at the edge of one of the mass graves, where the work of carefully exhuming bodies continued. 503 civilians had been identified at that stage - and just 4 soldiers. At the UN Security Council, I was clear that these facts speak to an utter disregard by Russian forces for their clear and unambiguous obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians. Ireland will continue to use our membership on the UN Security Council to hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Ireland is one of over 40 countries that referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and is providing a further €3 million to the ICC. Investigation teams from the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC are already actively collecting evidence from Ukraine.

On 4 May, the European Commission presented proposals for a sixth package of sanctions aimed at depriving Russia and Belarus of the ability to wage war on Ukraine. The package will include additional listings of individuals and entities, including high-ranking military officers and other individuals deemed to have been involved in committing atrocities in Bucha and in the siege of the city of Mariupol. The package also targets additional Russian and Belarussian banks, including Sberbank, Russia's largest bank. Three big Russian state-owned broadcasters responsible for Russian state propaganda will be sanctioned, and will be unable to distribute their content in any form in the EU or attract advertising. The package also targets services, including accountancy, public relations and consultancy services to Russian companies.

A complete import ban on all Russian oil is also proposed, to be introduced in an orderly fashion, it is hoped agreement can be reached soon to ensure that EU Member States can secure alternative supplies. Crude oil will be phased out within six months, and refined products such as petrol and diesel by the end of the year. There are also provisions to prevent Russia from diversifying its client base for oil products, including a ban on the provision of insurance and financing for the shipping of Russian oil.Ireland has allocated €20 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, via the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN agencies. Additionally, at EU level, Ireland has contributed €11.5m to an EU humanitarian assistance package of €550m.

The EU is providing a €1.5 billion package of European Peace Facility (EPF) support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Ireland is contributing its full share (€33 million), which will go towards non-lethal elements only.

As I re-iterated when I met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba in April, Ireland fully supports Ukraine's application for EU Membership. We have come together with a group of other Member States, with a view to providing political and practical assistance in support of Ukraine’s European perspective.In February, the EU Council agreed a €1.2 billion emergency macro-financial assistance package for Ukraine. Preparations for the swift disbursement of the second €600 million tranche of this assistance are underway.

EU leaders agreed to develop a Ukraine Solidarity Trust Fund with a view to the reconstruction of a democratic Ukraine, once the Russian onslaught has ceased.

Ireland has and will continue to play an active, constructive and compassionate role at EU level in meeting the challenges which arise from Russia's illegal military aggression.

Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 413.

Question No. 415 answered with Question No. 413.

Question No. 416 answered with Question No. 413.