Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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211. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the continued massing of Russian troops on the border of Ukraine is a cause for real concern (details supplied); if his Department and the Government has a role to play as interlocuter or mediator between Russia and European interests; if Ireland’s ambassadorial team has considered adopting such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3851/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has consistently made clear its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Along with our EU partners, we have consistently called on Russia to de-escalate the tensions caused by its protracted military build-up. The build-up of Russian troops near its border with Ukraine is a significant cause for concern to us.

It is the fundamental and inalienable right of a sovereign and independent state to chart its own path in the world; to choose its own foreign policy and to make arrangements for the security and defence of its territory. Ireland has made its own choice to be a committed member of the EU. Ireland’s policy of neutrality remains very clear and accepted by our EU partners. In fact, Ireland is one of five EU Member States that pursue a policy of military neutrality. Just as we would not accept another state dictating what foreign or defence policy we choose to follow as a nation, Ukraine has the sovereign right to follow its own foreign and defence policy without interference from outside its borders.

I have been closely engaged in this issue at the EU for many months. I and my EU colleagues discussed the situation in Ukraine most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday of this week (24 January). The EU is united in its support to Ukraine and its commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty. We have sent a clear message to Russia to defuse tension in the context of their activities on the border of Ukraine, and to give reassurance to the rest of the world on its intentions.

As EU Foreign Ministers, we condemned Russia’s continued aggressive actions and threats against Ukraine. We have also been clear that, should Russia decide to invade Ukraine militarily, there would be severe consequences for such action from an EU perspective, in terms of sanctions and restrictions. These would follow quickly and would have a sustained and significant effect.