Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
25. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the consequences for all of Europe if Russia is allowed to prevail in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10846/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra26. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views 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. [10854/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra53. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the 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. [10855/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 26 and 53 together.
As Ukrainians face into the third year of war, we must make clear that we are unwavering in the strength of our commitment to supporting Ukraine. Ensuring that Russia does not succeed in its imperial ambitions is existential for Ukraine, but is also fundamental for European and global security. This is true now, as it was just over two years ago, when Putin launched his unprovoked and illegal invasion.
That is why the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. The EU and its Member States have mobilised unprecedented levels of support for Ukraine since February 2022. Collectively, the EU has provided approximately €88 billion in financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support.
The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting in EU history. Since February 2022, the EU has introduced measures targeting the military, financial, energy, technology, transport and media sectors of the Russian economy. Almost 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures.
Over the past year, the EU has been working with third countries to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and combat circumvention of sanctions. Ireland fully supports these efforts, including the work of the EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan in his outreach with third countries.
These sanctions are an integral part of Europe’s response to Russia’s illegal aggression in Ukraine. They are having a negative impact on Russia’s economic and military capacity, impeding its ability in particular to access advanced technology and military goods. This pressure must be maintained.
We have seen that the implications of Russia’s aggression go far beyond Europe. Russian aggression represents a threat to international law and the rules based international order. How Europe responds sends a signal to others who might seek to change international borders through the use of force.
We have also seen other global impacts of the Russian invasion, for example in relation to food and energy security. For that reason, the Irish and European response to Russia's invasion has also focused on stabilising world markets and alleviating the impact on the most vulnerable countries, including through the EU Solidarity Lanes and wider humanitarian assistance.
We have just marked the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and it is essential that our commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast. This is vital in the first instance for the Ukrainian people, but also to safeguard the security of Europe as a whole. The concept of ‘Ukraine fatigue’ does a disservice to the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in defending their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In December, the European Council agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. Ireland has been a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. We believe that EU membership will be the ultimate security guarantee for Ukraine.
In February, the EU again demonstrated its firm commitment to continuing to support Ukraine by agreeing on a new €50 billion financial assistance package. The “Ukraine Facility” will allow Ukraine to continue to pay wages and pensions, maintain essential public services, ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia in the coming years. Ireland also welcomes the recent agreement on a 13th package of sanctions against Russia.
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.
