At the outset, I wish to reiterate Ireland's unequivocal and steadfast support for the people and Government of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Since February last year, Russia has launched hundreds of drone and missile strikes in Ukraine with the apparent aim of terrorising the civilian population and destroying civilian infrastructure. In recent weeks these attacks have further escalated. The destruction of the Nova Khakovka dam last week is another brutal consequence of Russia's war. In addition to threats posed by the immediate flooding and environmental risks, the dam was an essential water supply to many towns and villages. Its destruction will seriously affect hundreds of thousands of people and will have far-reaching consequences.
During Ireland's time on the UN Security Council, we used our position on the Council to repeatedly condemn Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, recalling the basic principles of international humanitarian law, including the prohibitions against indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks.
Ireland has also co-sponsored six UN General Assembly resolutions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, condemning Russia’s aggression; calling for humanitarian access; voting to exclude Russia from the Human Rights Council; condemning the illegal so-called referendums in the occupied parts of Ukraine and illegal annexation; recognising the need for an international mechanism for reparations for Ukraine; and on the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace.
We stand ready to support future General Assembly resolutions aimed at securing that much needed peace and an end to Russia's aggression. Ireland, as part of the European Union, also supports Ukraine’s 10 point peace plan initiative for a just peace, based on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In addition, we have been active at the UN Human Rights Council on the issue of Ukraine. I addressed the Council in February and stressed that Russia’s invasion is not only an assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but an assault on the rules-based international order and multilateralism itself.
Ireland has consistently called for Russia to immediately end its war and to immediately cease its military actions and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine. We will support Ukraine, as it exercises its right to self-defence, for as long as it takes.
In addition, I regularly discuss the situation in Ukraine with my EU counterparts, and the EU's support to Ukraine is an item for discussion at every EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting. I look forward to attending the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London later this month, which will being together Ministers from approximately 60 countries, along with representatives of civil society and the business community, to further discuss supporting Ukraine's recovery from the impact of Russia's brutal invasion.
