Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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777. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his most recent meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20774/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Acting on my behalf and instructions, officials from my Department have had numerous engagements with the Russian Ambassador and other officials at the Embassy since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During such engagements, we have consistently made clear to Russia that we view its war against Ukraine as illegal and utterly unacceptable. We have also been clear on the need to uphold international law, especially the UN charter. We have also called for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. We have been unwavering in our expression of solidarity to Ukraine, and insisted on its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

On 19 April, I used Ireland’s seat at the UN Security Council to brief Council Members about the destruction of civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine, and the mass grave at Bucha, which I witnessed during my visit to the country on 14 April. I called for full accountability and demanded that Russia end its war.