Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have said consistently that the conduct of modern warfare is appalling, no matter where is waged. It leads to the killing of civilians in huge numbers. In Ukraine, it has been absolutely appalling. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, with devastating impacts for ordinary people. There has been massive displacement of 12 million people. The population of Ukraine is estimated to have gone from 40 million to 28 million, which is devastating.

In response to Deputy Brennan, we have consistently called for acceleration, which has created an acceleration on the western Balkan front too. There was a pause in the enlargement of the European Union for well over a decade. There has been much movement over the past two years. I have a geopolitical perspective that the European Union needs to enlarge, otherwise Russia will meddle in the neighbourhood. North Macedonia or Montenegro could be next. We are working with Ukraine, as is the European Commission. It has proven itself responsive and effective in moving forward with the process.

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