At this critical juncture for Ukraine, after almost 4 years of brutal Russian aggression, I want to emphasise Ireland’s unequivocal support and solidarity with Ukraine.
I welcome the ongoing efforts of President Trump and the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.
It is more important than ever that Europe and the United States continue to work together to achieve this.
The emerging US proposals, as well as plans for further negotiations, represent a step forward. I welcome the progress made at meetings between US and Ukraine. I look forward to these talks continuing in a positive manner and to further progress being achieved.
Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively in these discussions despite the ongoing Russian military assault on its towns and cities, ports and critical energy infrastructure.
It is crucial that any agreement upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld.
Any agreement must also protect Ukraine and Europe’s vital security. That means strong, credible guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to avoid a repetition of the past.
This is not just vital for Ukraine - it is also vital for the European Union and all its Member States, including Ireland. It is welcome that assurances have been given that the EU and Europe will be involved in discussions on issues that directly affect us including enlargement and immobilised assets.
The visit to Ireland by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the First Lady on 2 December further brought into focus what the stakes are for Ukraine, Ireland and Europe.
In my interactions with President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Sybiha during their visit, I used the opportunity to recommit the support that Ireland offers Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s illegal war, and to agree pathways to a just and lasting peace, deeper economic cooperation, and progress toward EU membership. I underlined that our joint efforts for peace should be combined with firm and co-ordinated pressure on Russia to engage seriously with negotiations on a just and lasting peace.
On the occasion of the visit of President Zelenskyy, Ireland and Ukraine signed a 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership that includes additional financial support of €100 million for non-lethal military support and €25 million for restoring energy infrastructure.
Ireland has been equally clear in our engagement with our European partners. I reiterated these points at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 November where Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha spoke about recent Russian attacks against Ukraine. Minister Richmond also reiterated these points at the informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 26 November.
The Taoiseach and I will remain in close contact with our European and Ukrainian partners. Together with our EU partners, we remain steadfast in our support for a just and lasting peace and security for the people of Ukraine in the period ahead.
Ireland’s position remains clear. As the aggressor, it is for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment towards peace by halting its brutal attacks and agreeing to the proposed ceasefire, without conditions. It can do so at any time.
Ireland is committed to supporting efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine. The Taoiseach continues to participate in discussions around a “Coalition of the Willing”. Most recently he participated in a Leaders meeting on 25 November. The Taoiseach has stated Ireland’s openness to contribute to an appropriately mandated peacekeeping mission in the event of a ceasefire and our commitment to providing non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine.
