Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Almost 2 years into its unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues its barbaric bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.

On the frontline, Ukraine now finds itself in a very difficult situation. After four months of intense fighting, the city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast has fallen to Russian forces, who have taken severe casualties in the process. This was immediately followed by a series of new attacks against other Ukrainian positions across the frontlines, which have so far been repulsed. This shows that Russia is intent on continuing its offensive with a view to occupying more territory whenever it sees an opportunity to do so. Ukraine is particularly challenged by a lack of essential military supplies, such as artillery ammunition, and the Ukrainian government is working closely with its Western partners to remedy this.

Recent positive agreements at EU level send a strong signal of the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. At the December European Council, EU leaders agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine following the recommendation of the Commission Enlargement Report of 8 November. Ireland welcomes this decision, which is a source of hope for the Ukrainian people for their future. We look forward to additional reporting from the Commission in March, which we hope will facilitate next steps on Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

On 1 February, EU leaders met again at a Special European Council in order to approve the €50 billion “Ukraine Facility”. Ireland welcomes the agreement reached at this meeting, which will place EU support to Ukraine on a more sustainable footing over the coming years, enabling it to pay essential bills and repair and rebuild essential infrastructure as it continues to defend itself.

These recent agreements at EU level send a strong signal to Ukraine, Russia and the wider world that the EU is steadfast in its long-term support to Ukraine, notwithstanding other crises that are occupying our attention. It is important now that we maintain this momentum, and reach agreement as soon as possible on the important remaining decisions, including on the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, and the proposed Ukraine Assistance Fund which seeks to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine. Ireland remains supportive of long-term EU military support to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility, and our support will continue to focus on non-lethal assistance.

I discussed these further measures with my EU counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, where we were also joined by Yulia Navalnaya. The death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, in a Russian prison, will undoubtedly further galvanise EU action in this regard.

I expect that these issues will be further discussed at the March European Council.