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

I thank the ambassador for her comprehensive update on a range of issues of fundamental concern to Ukraine and its people. I am pleased she has had an opportunity to present directly to the committee before the end of another year. I will not go to committee members for questions at this stage because the chair of the foreign affairs committee, Mr. Oleksandr Merezhko, has waited patiently and I know he has a number of important engagements this afternoon. I thank him for being with us. I know he does not have a formal presentation for the committee. In any event, the ambassador's presentation was without parallel in terms of its comprehensive nature.

I will ask Mr. Merezhko to update the committee briefly on the current situation, the counter-offensive and what he expects from other western states, such as Ireland, which have been with Ukraine in terms of solidarity and support since the dreadful days of February 2022. We are very keen to continue our unwavering and unstinting support but perhaps Mr. Merezhko could give the committee his view on what his support priorities might be.

Ireland is supportive of the Ukraine ten-point peace formula. However, in the current circumstances asking for a ceasefire or talking about peace is somewhat pointless. First, because there is no sign of Mr. Putin wishing for any form of peace. Second, even if he were to show that he was interested in peace, he cannot be trusted in any event and will not be trusted - certainly by Ireland.

Perhaps Mr. Merezhko will enlighten the committee as to where he believes the ten-point peace formula is going and what he would like Ireland, the Irish people, and the Irish Government to do to continue our unwavering support. We now find ourselves in the middle of another winter and another time of great difficulty and challenge for Ukraine and its people. We thank Mr. Merezhko for his work, his leadership and for joining us this afternoon.