Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte ó chroí roimh Larysa Gerasko. The ambassador is very welcome. Today, we think first and foremost of the people of Ukraine. Three years ago, Russia launched a brutal criminal invasion of Ukraine. Putin's invasion continues to be an attack on Ukraine's right to self-determination, sovereignty and peace. It is also a violation of international law.

We have witnessed the largest land conflict and the greatest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War. The human cost of Russia's military aggression has been paid, first and foremost, in a terrible loss of life. The United Nations estimates that 12,654 civilians have been killed, including 669 children. For three long years, the people of Ukraine have bravely resisted and withstood Putin's bombardment of their beloved country. They continued to show the world that they will never give in to Russia's terrible military aggression and Ireland has stood with them, standing on the side of international law towards the day that Ukraine's right to live as a free nation is restored.

The focus of the international community must now be on achieving peace and building a pathway to peace through genuine engagement, constructive dialogue and an inclusive talks process. That, of course, means that Ukraine must have a seat at the table. The very idea that you can build a successful peace while sidelining the invaded nation runs contrary to the most basic of common sense. Any successful peace process must see a restoration of respect for international law, the upholding of Ukraine's right to sovereignty, self-determination and freedom and the right of Ukraine to live as a free nation. Russia's military aggression cannot be rewarded. Peace must prevail.

European Union support for Ukraine has undoubtedly shown Europe at its best. It is a stance rooted in the value and principles of international solidarity, democracy, self-determination and human rights. This, sadly, has not been the case when it comes to the Israeli onslaught on Gaza and the genocide against the Palestinian people. In international relations and law, just as in life, consistency matters.

Both these conflicts unfold at a time when the hawkish agenda at the European Union is escalating a drive towards even greater militarisation. This is coupled with a growing push from the European Commission to undermine the independent foreign policies of member states. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is constantly being cited as a reason the European Union must militarise, increase spending on weaponry and arms and force a singular defence policy. This is flawed and dangerous thinking. It leads the European Union down the cul-de-sac of militarism and inevitable war. We must work to ensure that the European Union remains, at its core, a partnership for peace. Militarisation and a loss of control of foreign policy is not a way forward. Rather, it sets Europe on a course that repeats the tragic mistakes of the past. Sadly, it is now clear that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have bought into this dangerous agenda and now seek to dismantle Ireland's neutrality.

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