Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland has strongly condemned Russian actions from the outset of this crisis. The annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol following the illegal referendum on 16 March is a flagrant violation of international law, including some of its most fundamental norms. For its part, the Ukrainian Government is to be commended on the measured response it has shown in the face of this provocation. There is an urgent need for Moscow to take steps to de-escalate the situation and this must include engaging in serious talks with the government in Kiev without further delay. In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Tánaiste called in the Russian ambassador on 3 March to express his deep concern over Russia’s actions and asked him to convey this to his authorities in Moscow. The ambassador also met a senior official in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 19 March and again on 31 March and was informed of the Government's firm view that the referendum in Crimea was illegal and that it did not accept the outcome. Senior officials in the Department also continue to have regular contact with the ambassador of Ukraine, who has expressed his government’s appreciation for Ireland’s support and solidarity.

At the EU level, the deepening crisis in Ukraine led to the convening of two extraordinary sessions of the Foreign Affairs Council. There also was an extraordinary Heads of State and Government meeting on 6 March, as well as the European Council meeting on 20 and 21 March, which had a comprehensive discussion on developments. At the latter meeting the member states and Ukraine signed the political provisions of the association agreement with Ukraine. In addition, the Union is providing financial assistance to the new government in Kiev worth up to €11 billion. At that meeting, the EU leaders also set out a three-stage framework, of which the Deputy is aware, on measures that have been taken or which could be taken, were the situation to destabilise further.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

The first two phases, namely, suspension of talks on visas matters and a new agreement on trade, as well as travel restrictions and an asset freeze against Russian and Ukrainian officials, already have been implemented.

The conclusions adopted by the European Council on 20 and 21 March recalled that any further steps by the Russian Federation to destabilise the situation in Ukraine would entail far-reaching consequences for relations in a broad range of economic areas. In this respect, the European Council has tasked the Commission and the member states to prepare possible targeted measures. Ireland is engaged in the continuing discussions with our partners in Brussels on this matter.

The EU has a special responsibility for peace and stability in Europe. It will remain at the forefront of efforts to facilitate and engage in a meaningful dialogue involving Ukraine and Russia, including through the establishment of a multilateral mechanism, with a view to finding a political solution.

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