Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
35. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to Russia's intensification of its war against Ukraine over the new year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3006/24]
View answer62. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees that the security of the entire European continent depends on Russia not winning its war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3123/24]
View answer84. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the recent warning by the leaders of five political groupings in the European Parliament against 'Ukraine fatigue'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3124/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 62 and 84 together.
Ireland condemns the recent escalation by Russia of its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure. The drone and missile attack launched by Russia on 29 December was the single largest aerial assault of the war so far, with 153 missiles and drones targeting cities throughout the country.
Attacks of a similar scale have continued against Ukrainian cities on a daily basis, with United Nations officials estimating that nearly 70 Ukrainians have been killed and 360 injured since the 29 December escalation. Such a large scale assault on civilians makes clear that Russia has no intention of reaching a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Russia is also clearly seeking indications that European support for Ukraine is weakening.
In this context, and as the two-year anniversary of the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, it is vital that our commitment towards Ukraine remains steadfast. Our continued support for Ukraine is vital in the first instance for the people of Ukraine but is also necessary to safeguard the security of Europe as a whole, and to protect our own freedom and values.
Russia’s aggression also has global implications, as we have seen in relation to the impact on food and energy security. It represents a threat to international law and the rules based international order. The issue of Ukraine continues to be a regular focus of discussions at EU level - including at this week’s Foreign Affairs Council, where we were joined by Foreign Minister Kuleba by video conference - and the upcoming European Council.
Ireland is engaging in discussions at EU level aimed at putting our support for Ukraine on a more sustainable footing in the coming years. We were disappointed that an agreement on the Ukraine Facility could not be reached at the December European Council. It is important that EU member states find a solution at the Extraordinary European Council of 1 February. Ukraine urgently needs this multi-annual, sustainable and predictable funding. It is also important that we send a strong signal to Russia that the EU remains united and unwavering in its support.
While EU Member States may have different positions on individual issues related to Ukraine, this does not detract from the EU’s overall steadfast support. Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. Our response has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.
As the Government has repeatedly underlined, Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in respect of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine. Ireland’s position, and our support for Ukraine’s right to defend this attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, has been consistent.
The historic decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine was a strong signal to the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their country that Ukraine belongs within the European family. We believe that EU membership will be the ultimate security guarantee for Ukraine, and is in the overall strategic interest of the European Union. Ireland remains a strong supporter of EU enlargement and we will do all we can to help Ukraine progress along its European path.
In parallel with our ongoing support for Ukraine, we will continue to work to hold Russia to account. The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive sanctions in EU history, and aim to impede Russia’s ability to continue to wage war. Ireland has welcomed the recent adoption of the 12th package of sanctions against Russia, with a focus on strengthening implementation and combatting circumvention.
Ireland continues to be active at the UN, and other multilateral fora, in defending the rules-based international order, and working towards accountability for potential crimes and breaches of international law committed in Ukraine. Russia must be held accountable for its illegal aggression against its neighbour and its grave violations of the UN Charter.
