Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has any concerns that the support of some EU states for Ukraine might be wavering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41706/23]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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49. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the future of EU support for Ukraine following his recent visit to the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41761/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 46 and 49 together.

Ukraine continues to be a regular focus of discussions at EU level, in the face of Russia’s ongoing illegal and unjustified war of aggression.

The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, and military support for Ukraine.

Overall assistance to Ukraine pledged both at EU and Member State level to date amounts to €70 billion, including financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support. The European Commission has so far this year disbursed €12 billion of an up to €18 billion Macro-Financial Assistance package agreed for Ukraine in 2023. This package has allowed Ukraine to continue to pay wages and pensions, maintain essential public services, ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia.

In June, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €50 billion package aimed at covering immediate reconstruction costs and supporting Ukraine over the next four years. The Ukraine Facility, which is still subject to approval by Member States, would ensure the EU’s sustained support for Ukraine as it continues to withstand Russian aggression, while addressing the complex challenges around reconstruction and the reforms underpinning the enlargement process. Ireland is generally supportive of mechanisms that assist Ukraine as it defends itself and progresses on its EU membership path and we welcome the proposal in principle, as a further sign of the EU's commitment to Ukraine.

The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine and we continue to emphasise the importance of ensuring that all measures adopted are fully and effectively implemented.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to the unprecedented mobilisation of the European Peace Facility (EPF). EU Member States have agreed approximately €5.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine under the EPF to date, consisting of approximately €5.22 billion for lethal equipment and approximately €380 million for non-lethal equipment. Ireland constructively abstains on all lethal equipment elements of the support packages and our full share of funding – approximately €122 million– is directed exclusively toward non-lethal support.

At the June 2023 European Council, EU leaders agreed to stand ready to contribute to future security commitments to Ukraine and discussions are ongoing in Brussels on this. The Council Conclusions recognise that these commitments will fully respect Member States’ security and defence policies, such as Ireland’s.

Ireland is and will remain a strong supporter of Ukraine’s EU perspective. We look forward to the Commission’s Enlargement Package later this year, which will for the first time include a report on Ukraine’s progress on its path towards European Union membership.

Ukraine was a key topic for discussion at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Toledo on 31 August, which I attended and where we were again joined by Foreign Minister Kuleba, who updated us on the situation on the ground. This meeting was also an opportunity to prepare for engagement at the UN General Assembly last week.

Together with our EU partners, Ireland used UNGA High Level Week as an opportunity to build support among global partners for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, including by reiterating key messages on the global consequences of Russia’s invasion for the wider UN membership. Ireland along with 22 other EU Member States intervened in the Open Security Council debate on support for Ukraine on 20th September. EU Foreign Ministers again discussed Ukraine at their informal meeting in New York and it was clear that Europe's commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast.