Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I will begin this reply regarding Ukraine and Russia by saying that the latest information I received from our embassy in Kyiv is that it has been a particularly difficult 48-hour period. Ukraine came under large-scale drone and missile attacks again last night. According to President Zelenskyy, 18 missiles and 400 drones were deployed by Russia over a period of ten hours, targeting at least six oblasts as well as Kyiv city. In Kyiv, very loud explosions were heard for an extended period during the night and damage has been reported in at least five districts of Kyiv, including the district in which the Irish Embassy is located. At least two people are reported to have been killed in the city, and 16 injured. I am pleased that all our embassy staff are safe but, of course, very tired after a very difficult night. Residential buildings, cars, warehouses, offices and non-residential premises were set on fire. I believe the papal nuncio has now reported light damage to the Holy See chancery, most likely caused by a drone explosion nearby. I want to share that information with the House because Putin talks about peace and all of this sort of stuff, and this is what goes on in reality. We have two presidents - one who is willing to accept a ceasefire without condition to try to get into substantive peace talks, and one who keeps on avoiding that reality. Last night was really a night of horror for many people in Kyiv. I want to thank our ambassador, Jonathan Conlon, and his team. The Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and I engage on this on a very regular basis. I am pleased they are all safe and grateful for their service but horrified at what is happening.

Our support for Ukraine is steadfast. It remains a key focus of our engagement with EU counterparts bilaterally and, of course, in Brussels. This war, and the threat posed by Russia, is not only an existential issue for Ukraine but we see it as a major challenge to the security of Europe. It is right, therefore, that support for Ukraine remains a top priority for the European Union.

Russian aggression features prominently on the monthly agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council where ministers are regularly joined by the Ukrainian foreign minister to hear directly about the situation on the ground and about Ukraine's most pressing needs. This is an important forum for discussion with my EU counterparts on how we enhance support for Ukraine so that it can defend against and deter future Russian aggression.

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