Gerard Craughwell (Independent)

This morning I noticed the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Harris, made some very strong statements regarding what is going on in Kyiv. We talk about the genocide in Gaza and the war criminality of the likes of Netanyahu. We should be aware that Putin is equally a war criminal. Donald Trump told us during the election campaign that if he was elected, he would have the war ended within 24 hours.We are three months in and there is no sign of that war ending. We need to be aware and discuss the fact that there appears to be absolutely zero intention on the part of Putin and his allies in Iran and the Middle East to end the war. They are quite prepared to see it go on. Hundreds of missiles are being fired into Kyiv and various other cities in Ukraine. Maybe the time has come for a debate on Ukraine again and to put Ukraine front and centre for a short time in this House. While the war in Gaza, and the absolute annihilation of the people of Gaza and their homes, is terrible, what is beginning to happen in cities in Ukraine is similar. It is time we called out Putin for his fun and games claiming he wants peace talks while he is firing hundreds of thousands of missiles. We also need to look at the Iranian regime, which is providing him with drones to attack Ukraine. We have skin in the game because we have provided support to Ukraine. I hope we will continue to provide support to Ukraine but we need to discuss it and up our game in this area. I would appreciate it if the Leader could arrange a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for foreign affairs.