Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The invasion by Russia of Ukraine's sovereign territory and its attack on the Ukrainian people is an outrageous and immoral breach of the most fundamental and basic principles of international law. Our thoughts are with President Zelenskiy and the innocent people of Ukraine in their most difficult hour and hours to come. It is saddening to watch as the might of Russia closes in on another city. Russia is warning the people to get out. It is blowing up buildings in the middle of the city, killing people. It is just unacceptable.

The UN Charter requires all countries to refrain from the threat or the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. To a small country in particular, the use of brute force in pursuit of a warped perception of national interest is a serious affront. It has presented Europe with the most grave security situation it has faced in decades, with repercussions for global security and the world's economy. It cannot and will not go unanswered. I believe that at the end of the day, while a lot of damage will be done, Mr. Putin will fall on his sword.

I am somebody who gives out a lot about social media, but thanks to social media, everybody knows about the brutality that is happening in the world. The world is disgusted at what the Putin regime is putting the people of Ukraine through. We all thought those days had gone. We thought when Gorbachev arrived that Russia had changed. I meet many Russians every year. Many of them run businesses now and have become western people in many respects. They are not going to tolerate this for long. They will rise up against this man and, at the end of the day, they will have a major say in bringing this horrible situation to an end.

This aggression by Russia will cause untold hardship and tragedy for people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Government. It is so important that nations like Ireland and all of Europe stand firm, as they are doing now. One has only to look at the bravery of the Ukrainian people, men, women and children. There is also the sad side, like the picture on social media of a little girl in one of the hospitals in Kyiv, drawing at a table in a bunker with lots of other people. The innocence of that little face makes one wonder how many innocent little faces are going to be gone in the next few hours, days or weeks.

I commend the Government on the way it has handled this to date. Ireland is at the forefront of efforts across the UN to bring an end to this conflict and to hold Russia accountable. Humanitarian assistance for those who need it is one of our primary objectives. At the UN Security Council, where Ireland currently has a seat, we are pushing very strongly for a resolution on humanitarian access. Russia’s veto cannot silence condemnation of Russia's actions. Ireland has supported the convening of an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly and will also push for a strong and robust General Assembly resolution. As we all know, the EU has agreed a package of €500 million in military assistance for Ukraine, with €450 million for lethal equipment and €50 million for non-lethal supplies. Ireland did the right thing in abstaining on the lethal equipment package. Of course we will pay our full share but Irish funding will go to non-lethal items.

Ireland is also providing €10 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The next big problem coming down the line is the humanitarian fallout from this conflict. The number of people who will be in difficulty will be enormous. Millions will flee to other countries and we must accept as many Ukrainians as possible into this country. I feel very strongly about that. We must help out and the Irish people will do so. I have my own view on the Russian ambassador and have issued a strong statement saying he should be sent home, for now. That said, I understand what the Minister has said about keeping diplomatic channels open. However, I read in The Irish Times today that there are 32 officials at the Russian embassy here in Dublin and I would send 26 of them packing straight away. It is an extraordinary number of people and any work that is going on in that building should be stopped straight away.

Like many others, I am saddened and shocked. I stand with the Ukrainian people. This is a very sad time for us all and we may be facing very challenging times in the months ahead.