Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions against Russia in response to its unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The scale and speed of the sanctions adopted by the EU in response to Russia’s brutal aggression has been unprecedented, with over 2,400 individuals and entities now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures. A broad range of sectoral sanctions have been put in place, including measures targeting Russia’s military, technology, transport and energy sectors. These measures are having an impact, making it harder for Russia to access battlefield goods and generate revenue to pay for its illegal war.
I welcomed the adoption of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia last month. The 16th package includes further sectoral restrictive measures and actions to combat circumvention and limit Russia’s energy revenues, including measures targeting the Russian shadow fleet.
It is critical that the sanctions we have adopted remain in place to exert maximum pressure on Russia. The lifting of sanctions should not occur while Russia continues its war of aggression.
We will continue to work closely with EU partners to support further sanctions measures that can exert maximum pressure on Russia to end its illegal war of aggression.