Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I begin by acknowledging the presence in the House of H.E. Larysa Gerasko, the Ukrainian ambassador, and all the representatives of the Ukrainian community in Ireland. I thank the ambassador for continuing to keep Members and the Irish public aware of the reality of life in Ukraine . On behalf of my Ukrainian constituents in Cork, I thank her for the representation she provides for them.

Three years ago, Vladimir Putin's Russia launched a brutal war of aggression on its neighbour Ukraine, and "brutal" is truly the word to use. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the largest land conflict and greatest displacement of people in 80 years. I reiterate that Russia's attack on and bombardment of the Ukrainian people is an attack on sovereignty, peace and the right of a nation to be sovereign, independent and free. It is a vicious and violent expression of the dead-end belief that might is right and that military power can dominate humanity. The result to date of this most brutal invasion has been the killing of more than 12,000 civilians, men and, women and girls and boys, and the injuring of over 30,000 people since 24 February 2022, as verified by the UN human rights monitoring mission. Some 84% of the casualties have occurred in territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine and the other 16% in territory occupied by the Russian Federation. What is extremely concerning is the sheer scale of civilian harm we are seeing in Ukraine. Unfortunately, the situation in this regard is only getting worse. Casualties rose by 30% in 2024 in comparison with 2023 as hostilities intensified on the front line and the Russian Federation increased its use of aerial bombs, short-range drones, long-range missiles, loitering munitions and double-tap attacks. Landmines and explosive remnants of the war now contaminate 139,000 sq. km of land in Ukraine, posing serious risks to civilians both now and far into the future as the country is rebuilt.

Millions of Ukrainian people have been forced to leave their homeland. I acknowledge the people in Ireland who have done what they can to support the Ukrainian people who arrived here. In spite of this, ordinary civilians in Ukraine have persevered, shown immense courage and resilience, continued their everyday lives and kept their country going despite the severe challenges and brutality they have faced. They are faced with incredible challenges and attacks that greatly impact on their ability to provide education, healthcare, heating supplies and water distribution and just get on with day-to-day living. There is no doubt in my mind that Russia significantly underestimated Ukraine and the resolve of its people, which has been clearly demonstrated in the past three years.

Ukraine's energy infrastructure has come under severe attack. There have been 14 large-scale, co-ordinated attacks since last March alone, which has created a serious electricity deficit and increased the difficulties for ordinary people. I acknowledge the serious danger in relation to the nuclear facilities at Zaporizhzhia and Chornobyl. The Taoiseach cited some of the locations of the most offensive incidents and attacks on humanity, such as Bucha, Mariupol and elsewhere. There is no question but that what we saw in those locations was barbarism on the part of the Russian Federation. These are completely unacceptable and despicable attacks on the Ukrainian people.

The Irish people have been clear on whose side they stand. For 36 months, the courageous people of Ukraine have stood against the Russian onslaught and brutal invasion. I acknowledge and welcome further sanctions, financial and otherwise. It has long been our view that the Government could have gone further in relation to financial sanctions, but we welcome the most recent round. As we hope peace may be delivered, when and on what terms we do not know, on that day there will be a need to support the Ukrainian people in rebuilding their country. The Irish people have supported the Ukrainian people in the wake of this invasion. I reiterate Sinn Féin's solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

I reject entirely the commentary offered by the US President that characterised President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a dictator. Those were objectionable comments, and he is certainly no such thing. It is the leadership of the Russian Federation that represents authoritarianism in this conflict.

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