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

I thank the ambassador for her most comprehensive overview of the situation in Ukraine, which we all know is hugely challenging and has deteriorated over the past 12 months. As a parliamentary committee, we are very keen to reassure the Ukrainian Government and people of our support and solidarity. The importance of our engagement this afternoon should not be underestimated.

I will open the meeting now to members of the committee. I am conscious of the ambassador’s time. I know that members have some brief contributions to make in terms of observations on the situation in Ukraine and perhaps some questions. Mr. Schedrin and Mr. Rubashov should not hesitate to press the button and reply to any of the issues of importance they think might be appropriate.

I say to Ambassador Miculet that we will deal with the situation in Ukraine in the first instance and after approximately 30 minutes we will switch and deal with the situation in her country, Moldova, which is also an issue that has been exercising us on this committee.