Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
212. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Taoiseach if he can clarify the remarks recently made by his Department, that Ireland was committed militarily’ with Ukraine; his views on whether this is a departure from the State’s long held position of being ‘militarily neutral’. [17242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s brutal, illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign European country, I released a statement on 24 February which highlighted Ireland’s continuing solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal and, for the past four years, it has prosecuted a brutal war with no regard for international law or human rights norms. It has deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure in a bid to break the morale of the Ukrainian people who have faced a long and difficult winter this year.
In response, the people of Ukraine have shown the most remarkable determination to defend their country, their freedom, and their democratic right to choose their own future. That is why Russia will not succeed.
In my statement I expressed my firm hope that the current negotiations can result in peace for Ukraine - a peace that is durable, credible and consistent with international law. Russia does not, however, appear ready for peace.
That being so, I said that until peace comes, Ireland is proud to stand with Ukraine, politically, economically, militarily and diplomatically.
That has been the case since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. In the period since we have welcomed more than 100,000 Ukrainians who have sought sanctuary in this country. We have used our voice internationally at every available opportunity to rally support for Ukraine. We have contributed to financial support, including through the EU. We have sent equipment to help it sustain its energy system and we have provided non-lethal military equipment and assistance, including training in field medicine and de-mining, fully in line with our policy of military neutrality.
