Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have this opportunity to take part in this debate as we mark the third anniversary of Russia's unprovoked, illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine - nobody else's. I join the Tánaiste in recognising the unrelenting suffering that has been inflicted on the people of Ukraine in recent years. Those people are ably represented in Ireland by the Ukrainian Ambassador, H.E. Larysa Gerasko, who is in the Gallery with members of her community.

As Russia continues to prosecute its war of choice, ordinary Ukrainian civilians continue to pay the highest cost. That their spirit remains unbroken is a testament to their remarkable resolve and resilience. I was really struck by that last week when I met Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, who is a good friend to many of us. Her resolve in the face of not only the war against Ukraine but all the other political challenges the country is facing was incredible.

I also support the Tánaiste's assessment that the current situation is a turning point in terms of the trajectory of Russia's war. It is clear that this is an existential issue for many of my European counterparts. This House needs to understand the way parliaments in Poland and Lithuania, across all parties, view this situation. At times, there is division or even nuance in this Parliament. While it is important to have difference of opinion, Opposition parties here should look at what opposition parties are saying in parliaments across Europe on this issue. This is a moment when Europe and parliaments in Europe need to stand together, in solidarity with Ukraine and in defence of those European values and the European Union.

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