Sharon Keogan (Independent)

I acknowledge the historic nature of today's visit by President Zelenskyy to Ireland. It is right that we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's aggression. Ireland has offered sanctuary to more than 120,000 Ukrainians since 2022 and 85,000 Ukrainians still live here today. That is something we can be proud of. So many Ukrainians have come to Ireland for sanctuary. While here, they have contributed to our society through their hard work. I have worked at first hand to welcome those who arrived in my constituency to find support and to integrate. I have heard the same stories from so many of them – about having to pay extortionate and, in some cases, ruinous bribes to officials simply to be allowed to leave. We must stand against this corruption, especially when it harms their own war efforts and the lives of their own civilians, and even their own combatants.

In recent days we witnessed the resignation of Andriy Yermak, one of President Zelenskyy's closest aides, following raids linked to what is described as the largest corruption probe in Ukrainian history – an alleged €100 million embezzlement scheme in the energy sector. This is not an isolated incident. Transparency International ranks Ukraine among the most corrupt states in Europe. I chose not to attend the address to the Oireachtas this afternoon. Why? It was because while we rightly condemn Russia's brutality, we cannot ignore the scale of corruption within Ukraine's institutions. Ireland is pledging another €100 million in non-lethal military support and €25 million for energy needs today. This is taxpayers’ money. Before we deepen economic ties, we must demand accountability and robust anti-corruption measures. Standing with Ukraine must also mean standing for integrity and good governance.