Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 12, inclusive, together.

I spoke by phone with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, 10 January. President Zelenskyy extended new year's wishes to the people of Ireland and expressed his appreciation for the steadfast assistance and friendship shown by Ireland and the Irish people to Ukraine over the past year, and to the more than 70,000 Ukrainians who have received refuge and protection in Ireland. I assured President Zelenskyy of Ireland's continued solidarity. I also confirmed to him that Ireland will continue to stand with Ukraine, now and throughout its path towards EU membership.

We discussed Russia's despicable attacks on Ukraine's civilian population and energy infrastructure. The President said that in the face of and despite this brutal aggression, the people of Ukraine remained strong and determined that Russia will not win its war of aggression. I said that Ireland had been pleased recently to help with equipment to repair Ukraine's electricity grid, and to provide budgetary assistance to the Government of Ukraine to meet essential needs and services, including during this winter period.

President Zelenskyy raised his ten-point peace formula and looked forward to Ireland and other international partners' co-operation in implementing a peace plan when conditions allow. In that context, I affirmed Ireland's solidarity and our desire and determination to see the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence, and for holding those responsible for the war to account. President Zelenskyy also extended an invitation to me to visit Ukraine at a future opportunity.

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