Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:232. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that are being taken to address the violence and conflict in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13632/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 March 2022
Ceisteanna (232)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the illegal, unprovoked and unjustified further invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces on 24 February, Ireland has stood in unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine. Ireland’s response to the invasion has included multilateral engagement with European Union partners and at the United Nations, the development of sanctions against Ukraine, demonstrations across the world of Ireland’s solidarity with Ukraine, bilateral contact with the representatives of Ukraine and of the Russian Federation in Ireland and the provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Ireland has committed €20 million in humanitarian aid to help mitigate the impact of the Russian further invasion of Ukraine on the lives of ordinary people.
In addition, the EU has agreed a package of €500 million in military assistance for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility; €450 million for lethal equipment and €50 million for non-lethal equipment. Ireland constructively abstained on the lethal equipment package. We will pay our full share (approximately €11 million) and our funding will go only to non-lethal elements.
In response to the assault on Ukraine, the EU has also adopted the most extensive sanctions in its history. The aim of these sanctions is to incentivise President Putin to find a political solution to the conflict that he has created, and to reduce the funding and equipment available to Russia to continue its illegal actions in Ukraine. Sectoral sanctions target the Russian financial, energy, technology and defence, and transport sectors. Sanctions have been introduced to prevent Russian state-owed media from spreading disinformation in the EU. Measures have also been introduced restricting economic relations between the EU and the two breakaway regions in Donetsk and Luhansk. Individual sanctions have been introduced on Russian persons and entities, with 510 people and 5 entities subjected to asset freezes and travel bans (for persons) since 23 February. The EU has imposed trade restrictions on Belarus for its support to Russia, and has sanctioned Belarussian military leaders. I also refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 299 on 3 March, which provides a detailed overview of all of the EU sanctions that have been adopted in response to Russia’s aggressive actions since 23 February. Preparatory work continues on additional sanctions. Ireland has made clear that it will support the widest possible sanctions, as a concrete demonstration of our solidarity with Ukraine.
More broadly, Ireland is at the forefront of efforts across the UN to bring an end to this conflict and to hold Russia accountable. Ireland co-sponsored a strong UN General Assembly resolution denouncing Russia’s aggression against a sovereign state, which was adopted with the support of the overwhelming majority (141) of UN Member States. This is a powerful demonstration of the widespread global rejection of Russia’s actions.
The UN Security Council met on Monday 7 March to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Ireland demanded that Russia upholds its obligations under international humanitarian law, and called for an immediate end to hostilities and safe and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to those who need it, where they need it.
Ireland has joined with 38 other International Criminal Court States Parties in referring the situation in Ukraine to the ICC to investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The UN Human Rights Council will also establish a Commission of Inquiry in relation to violations of human rights in Ukraine.
Ireland will continue to engage with European Union, United Nations and other partners to provide assistance to Ukraine.