Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
111. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the further action he expects to be taken against the Russian Federation in view of its ongoing illegal war being waged on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4364/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have been consistent in our condemnation of Russia and have supported measures to support Ukraine at every opportunity.
Ireland has consistently supported imposing strong sanctions against Russia and is fully committed to their implementation. The EU has imposed the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in its history in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, adopting its ninth package of sanctions on 16 December 2022. These measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and extensive import and export controls, among other measures. EU restrictive measures relating to Ukraine currently apply to a total of 1,386 individuals and 171 entities.
The European Commission is currently preparing a proposal for a tenth package of sanctions. This new package is expected to further restrict the export of technology to Russia, tackle circumvention and introduce new listings of individuals who have supported the war in various ways. The Commission and Member States are also exploring legal avenues to use assets that have been frozen under the Russia/Ukraine sanctions to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine. In order to reduce Russia’s revenues that fund its war, the EU has banned the import of Russian crude oil since on 5 December 2022, along with a G7-agreed oil price cap. A similar ban and price cap for refined petroleum products is due to enter into force on 5 February 2023.
We have also worked consistently with partners to isolate Russia diplomatically. We have supported action at the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and other multilateral fora, to hold Russia accountable. We will continue to work with Ukraine and with like-minded partners in these and other bodies in calling for States to condemn Russia’s invasion of another sovereign State and for Russia to be held to account for their actions.
