Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

I thank all who participated in the debate, including my colleagues, Senators Daly, Ahearn, McCarthy, McCormack, Stephenson and McDowell. I thank the Minister of State for his response.

Senator McDowell was perfectly correct in what he said about calling out the United States and President Trump. When we see the efforts the EU has gone to in supporting Ukraine and trying to plan for the future, it is quite unconscionable that the US has done so little but humiliated President Zelenskyy to try to defeat his morale and make him appear indecisive and less than another Head of State. It was despicable viewing, and it does need to be called out.

It is also very concerning, as the Minister of State said, that Russia remains a permanent member of the security council while absolutely undermining the very foundation of the international rules-based system on which the UN is based. That is certainly something that hugely concerns me.

The Minister of State mentioned the Council of Europe register of damages. I was privileged to be the rapporteur for the fourth summit, where we introduced the register of damages. That is something that is absolutely going to make a difference.

All contributors spoke about the conditions people are now living under in Ukraine, and also how Ukrainians are living outside of Ukraine, like our guests present. It is no way to live. It is no way to try to have normality in life, work, have a family and be in contract with parents, neighbours or extended family. Those who have left Ukraine are increasingly worried all of the time about phone calls they may get at any point in time about family, friends and neighbours. That is not a way to live your life.

We are at a stalemate, as my colleague Senator Daly said. We do not see any movement. Within Europe, we are looking at the 19th set of sanctions. While we look forward to those coming and it is important we continue with sanctions, there is no sign that they are being taken in any way seriously by Russia, in that Russia is not making any type of preparation to look to the future and be able to try to live in peace as neighbours and come to a resolution.

All life is important and there is now an estimate that roughly 1.8 million people have been killed since the war of aggression started. That certainly includes a very large number of military personnel, but those lives are important, too. Many of those who have been sent out in Russian armies have done so because they have been conscripted. It is not because they have joined voluntarily. Some 1.8 million people have been killed in three years. It is incredulous that this is happening under our watch.

I acknowledge that Senator McCarthy is chair of the friendship group. He is doing a really good job. He mentioned Mr. Robert Deegan, a young man from my own town who went out to Ukraine twice. He lost an eye and came home.When he recuperated, he went back again. There was a very fitting tribute to him at the Hill of Allen when he passed. That is how his family chose to celebrate him, as a warrior.

We also remember Pierre Zakrzewski, who was a Franco-Irish citizen and journalist. Very early on in the war, he went out to bear witness. The point was well made about the journalists. They are going out to document war so that the rest of the world can see and hopefully act. We lost Pierre at a very early stage. There are many really great people in Ireland who have helped to support the Ukrainian people who have come here. They include Emma Lane-Spollen, Angie Gough and Jill Robinson, to mention a few.

It is important that we speak and speak often. The Middle East has taken over in terms of wars globally. Hopefully, with the actions of the last few days, we will continue to see progress there. For now, we have to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and help it on its path to accession to the EU. All that remains for me to say is that I commend the motion and I appreciate the support that has been shown. Slava Ukraini.