Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As time is moving on, I will ask a couple of brief questions before we conclude. I very much welcome the ambassador's presence. I was struck by a number of statements in his opening commentary. He stated that he felt that his government saw no reason to invade Ukraine and in reply to Deputy Stanton, he spoke of the need to de-escalate.

I will raise three issues, the first of which relates to a domestic matter. I was struck last week by some public commentary of a meeting that took place between the ambassador and the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. Let me say that such meetings are commonplace. The meeting in question was labelled a courtesy call, which again is perfectly normal. What struck me, however, was a statement following the meeting. I hope I am not misquoting anybody but the statement attributed to the Russian embassy in Dublin noted that the meeting discussed "prospects of contacts between [the] armed forces" of Ireland and Russia. What might those prospects be?

The second issue relates specifically to what has happened since our meeting last year. I do not wish to dwell on the situation in Belarus, and I acknowledge what the ambassador has said regarding the internal affairs of the country. However, he has heard from Senator Ardagh and others of the importance of the relationship between Ireland and Belarus. I direct the ambassador to the Ryanair flight that was forced down over Belarus on 23 May of last year. Does he have a view on that? Does he have any information he might like to share with the committee on the whereabouts of Mr. Roman Protasevich, the young reporter who was taken from the Ryanair flight and about whom we have heard little in recent times?

The final issue, which is the subject matter of our meeting, goes back to the points raised by Deputy Stanton. How might matters now be de-escalated, having regard to the highly charged and tense situation within Europe? These are issues that do not just pertain to Ukraine, however important those are. We are dealing with issues that are central to the future of Europe, as I think the ambassador also indicated. In recent times, I read a fascinating article by Vladimir Putin, dated 12 July 2021, in which he speaks in graphic and indeed comprehensive terms of the historical unity of Russians and Ukrainians. In the context of current developments, when he speaks about a family, a spiritual relationship and unity, it strikes me as extraordinary that Russia would amass tens of thousands of troops, heavy artillery and armed equipment of a quite threatening nature along the border and directed at members of its family. Will the ambassador elaborate on the steps he would see as being appropriate towards a de-escalation, which I think we are all in agreement should take place?

The ambassador mentioned a list of issues that were presented by his government in December. However, I have to say that these requests were actually demands that cannot be met. I am struck by a statement by one of Russia's neighbours, the President of Finland, today. Again, like Ireland, Finland is a militarily neutral country. The President of Finland stated: "The list of demands presented by Russia in December aims at a fundamental change in the structures of European security." He reminded governments in Europe and beyond that nobody can ignore the situation any longer and the demands of the Russian government are shaking the foundations of European security and have already been rejected.

In response to the ambassador's commentary that these requests, demands or requirements are still on the table, they are really not going to be met. I wonder how at the same time we can advance issues of diplomacy. We did not really get a chance to talk to any great extent about the Normandy talks and the Normandy format. I believe there is a real opportunity to continue in that guise. I am struck by a statement made last week on behalf of the Normandy group that there will be "unconditional observance of the cease fire [...] regardless of differences on other issues of the implementation of the Minsk agreements". Is the ambassador in position, on behalf of his government, to guarantee this committee that the unconditional observance given in Normandy last week in the Normandy format will continue? The group has not met this week but may meet next week. By way of concluding comments, will the ambassador indicate how he would see matters being de-escalated, having regard to the fact that everybody in this room believes that is the only way forward?

Before the ambassador responds, I will invite Senator Ó Donnghaile to contribute. He is attending remotely and has been very patient.