Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
9. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his current assessment of the situation with regard to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19703/23]
View answerWill the Tánaiste give us his current assessment of the situation regarding Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine as the brutality is now dragging on into its second year?
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Intense fighting is continuing in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Bakhmut. Russia is continuing its regular missile attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure across the country. Ireland remains unwavering in its support of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to defend itself against Russia's brutal full-scale invasion. Ireland is supportive of the ten-point peace formula announced by President Zelenskyy last November. In March, the European Council reiterated the European Union's support for the plan noting that the European Union will continue to work with Ukraine on it.
To date, Ireland has welcomed more than 80,000 Ukrainians under the temporary protection directive. This figure equates to some 1.5% of our population. Ireland has provided over €174 million in bilateral support for Ukraine. This has included €52.5 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support and approximately €122 million in non-lethal military assistance through the European Peace Facility.
Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine. European Union member states have imposed ten major packages of unprecedented measures since the invasion of Ukraine last year. Ireland is supportive of further packages of sanctions focused on degrading Russia's capacity to continue its aggression against Ukraine. We are also focused on ensuring that all measures adopted to date are fully and effectively implemented.
I understand that the EU Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the conflict this week and that, at the beginning of those discussions, the Ukrainian foreign minister addressed ministers via a video link, briefing them on the latest developments on the ground and on Ukraine's priorities and needs. Will the Tánaiste give an update on what the foreign minister said and what the response was? What action is the EU taking to sustain pressure on Russia through sanctions? What engagement is the EU having with third countries to prevent the circumvention of sanctions?
The Foreign Affairs Council met earlier this week, on Monday, and the foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, addressed that meeting by video conference. He is seeking a broad range of supports from the European Union, including the provision of weapons from those member states that are providing them in as timely a manner as possible and action to prevent the circumvention of sanctions.
He gave an outline of the current situation with Ukraine. The determination and the resilience of the people of Ukraine in the face of the most unprecedented and appalling assault on their homes and on their civilian infrastructure was very evident in his contribution. It was a strong presentation by the foreign minister, Mr. Kuleba, that also referenced the challenges the country faces. The European Union and the member states have collectively pledged assistance of approximately €67 billion to Ukraine and its people to date. This comprises of financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military assistance, as well as the hosting of refugees. This year, €4.5 billion of macro-financial assistance, out of a total of €18 billion committed for 2023, has been disbursed and the European Union has agreed on approximately €5.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility.
Reports on Wednesday indicate that the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, was going to send a delegation to Ukraine to hold talks with parties there. This was the first call he has had with President Zelenskyy since the invasion in February last year. According to Chinese media, his aim as set out is to facilitate these peace talks and bring about a ceasefire as soon as possible, and that he is going to be neutral on it. That is all coming despite China describing its partnership with Russia as a no-limits alliance. We have seen where there is a state visit and repeated close engagement there and there is little doubt as to where China's ambition or main interests lie. Given that, how does the Tánaiste see those proposed talks developing or does he think they are expected to go anywhere?
President Zelenskyy described his talks with President Xi Jinping as being meaningful and I believe they lasted well over an hour. As to the degree to which China can influence Russia, that level of engagement could have positive outcomes but we must wait and see. Any influence that can be exercised over Russia to withdraw and to cease the war is important. Russia started this war unprovoked. It is an imperialist war and it challenged and undermined the basic principles of the United Nations Charter in terms of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We would like China to acknowledge the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. I note in the commentary made by the Chinese Government that there is reference to its upholding of the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The engagement has potential and every effort must be made to get Russia to withdraw from the war.
