Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

EU member states also co-ordinated to summon Russian ambassadors in capitals following the announcement by President Putin of his intention to illegally annex the territories we have been referring to. At my instruction, the Russian ambassador was summoned by my Department on 3 October. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemns the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September illegally annexing part of the territory of Ukraine. It was emphasised to him that this decision has no basis in law and that this move does not reflect the freely expressed will of the people of Ukraine in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

With regard to the gains the Ukrainian military has made in recent weeks, which are really a testament to its organisation, professionalism and bravery, these battlefield successes have been extraordinary. The approach towards peace talks should very much be guided by Ukraine and its determination to free its own people from occupation. We need to stay close to what the Ukrainian President wants. After all, he and his country are defending themselves in this context.

See this speech in context