Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank President Zelenskyy for his historic address to the Houses of this Oireachtas at this time of great peril for him personally and for the people of Ukraine. The strength, courage and resilience of President Zelenskyy and of the Ukrainian people have been an inspiration, not just for us here in Ireland, but for people all over the world.

If Putin had imperial ambitions when he invaded Ukraine, those ambitions lie in tatters. Putin has not increased Russia's prestige or its power on the world stage. His despotic leadership has sapped its influence, destroyed its economy and turned Russia into a pariah state. It will remain a pariah state as long as Putin remains in power.

Thursday, 24 February 2022, the day Russia launched its barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine, is the date that will live in infamy. Since then, the Ukrainian people have faced a relentless barrage of bombs, bullets, missiles, mortars and rockets. War crimes have been committed on a daily basis. Maternity hospitals, schools, care homes and residential buildings have all been targeted. They have tried to wipe whole cities, such as Mariupol, off the map. The latest horrors revealed in Bucha, the torture and summary execution of hundreds of innocent civilians, are a gross affront to all of our collective humanity.

Ireland stands united with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people against this callous barbarism and depravity. Putin's lies and propaganda hold no sway here. He and his regime must be held accountable. An unprecedented array of co-ordinated international sanctions have been unleashed to crush Putin's regime, including his oligarch acolytes and to destroy his ability to fund his murderous war. We must go further. We must ensure that those sanctions are absolutely copper-fastened.

The EU must now also wean itself off Russian oil and gas, Putin's last economic lifeline. While Russia is starved of economic support, financial support from the international community must flow into Ukraine. What Putin has destroyed, Ukraine's allies must help to rebuild. Humanitarian relief and support for the unprecedented number of refugees fleeing the war must also be sustained, unwavering.

This support from the Irish people was instantaneous and overwhelming. They have welcomed thousands of Ukrainians into communities throughout Ireland and will continue to do so. The history of this country, the struggles of its people and the fight for our own sovereignty mean the Irish people empathise with Ukraine and the battle for democracy, freedom and the right to self-determination. Putin's murderous aggression will fail, but the empathy, friendship and solidarity between Ireland and Ukraine will strengthen and endure.