Michael Moynihan
Question:118. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent discussions with EU counterparts on Ukraine. [13501/23]
View answerTuesday, 21 March 2023
Questions (118)
Written answers
I am engaged in continuous dialogue with my EU counterparts on Russia’s illegal full scale invasion of Ukraine, and how we as the European Union can support Ukraine and its people in the face of this aggression. This dialogue is continuing this week at the Foreign Affairs Council and European Council.
At the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday (20 March), which was attended by Minister of State Peter Burke, EU Ministers were briefed by Foreign Minister Kuleba on the situation on the ground. Ministers discussed a number of issues, including sanctions and work to counter their circumvention, as well as the deeply concerning reports of the deportation of Ukrainian children, and ongoing efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
[In light of the significant Ukrainian needs in ensuring their ability to defend against Russia's continued attacks, Ministers agreed in principle yesterday to facilitate the immediate delivery and procurement of military supplies, including ammunition, for Ukraine, through the European Peace Facility. In line with the commitments in our Programme for Government, Ireland’s contribution will continue to be directed exclusively toward non-lethal support, for which there is an ongoing need.]
Ministers also reviewed the global impacts of Russia’s war, including on food insecurity, and the importance of the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. I also discussed this issue with the UN Secretary General last week in New York, who has played a key role in ensuring that Ukrainian grain and other food staples can continue to reach world markets.
Discussions at the January and February meetings on the EU Foreign Affairs Council were also dominated by the issue of Ukraine. I have consistently highlighted Ireland’s support for tough sanctions against Russia in these discussions, and I was pleased that the tenth package of sanctions was adopted on 25 February. Ireland has also been active in discussions on ensuring support for Ukraine by partners in the Global South. The overwhelming support for a UN General Assembly Resolution, condemning Russia's continued attack against Ukraine and calling for a peaceful resolution, in line with the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace, was very welcome
I was pleased to see that the first tranche of the €18bn in EU Macro-financial assistance for 2023 was disbursed in January of this year. This regular, stable funding will help ensure that Ukraine can meet the most immediate needs of its people in the face of ongoing Russia attacks.
Ireland and our EU partners have also been to the fore in working for accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine, including through support for existing mechanisms such as the ICC, ICJ and European Court of Human Rights, as well as exploring options for a Special Tribunal to try the crime of aggression. Ireland has recently joined the Core Group on the Special Tribunal, joining many EU Member States in working closely with Ukraine in ensuring that Russia is held accountable for its actions.