Sean Fleming
Ceist:127. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to the recent call by Belgium’s prime minister for the normalisation of relations with Russia. [22518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
127. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to the recent call by Belgium’s prime minister for the normalisation of relations with Russia. [22518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Russia’s aggression enters its fifth year, Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine. While Russia can choose to end this war at any time, instead, Russia’s response to peace efforts has been more missiles and destruction. Russian attacks continue to cause civilian deaths and target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The continued attacks on Ukrainian energy systems throughout a bitter winter are absolutely reprehensible. These are not the actions of a country interested in peace.
Ireland has consistently supported robust targeted sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. In discussions with EU partners, Ireland will continue to emphasise the need to maintain pressure on Russia through the adoption of strong, targeted sanctions. Ireland also supports full accountability for breaches of international law, in particular for acts that may constitute international crimes, arising out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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.