Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how Ireland is working with the EU partners to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat the circumvention of sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10847/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has strongly supported EU sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. These targeted sanctions are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Trade restrictions on export of sensitive goods from the EU to Russia have been put in place to target specific areas, including Russia’s military, financial, energy, technology and transport sectors. These sanctions are having a significant impact on Russia’s ability to access battlefield goods and technology and pursue its war objectives.

Analysis of trade flows to third countries of goods and technologies of particular importance for Russia's military and industrial complex is ongoing across the EU to inform discussions on preventing circumvention of EU sanctions. Ireland regularly participates in a range of expert group discussions to co-ordinate and share information on the implementation of the Russia sanctions and combatting circumvention including in relation to outreach to economic operators. Ireland also continues to support the work of the EU Special Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, who has travelled to a number of third countries to engage with them on sanctions circumvention and stopping battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia.

Recent packages of EU sanctions measures have included further actions to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat circumvention. They have included listings of additional companies in third countries which are subject to tighter export controls for dual use goods and technology. Further export controls on dual use and advanced technology goods have been added. A new ‘No Russia’ clause introduced in the 12th package requires exporters to contractually prohibit the re-export to Russia of particularly sensitive goods and technology. The 13th package, agreed to coincide with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, included measures targeting the sale and supply of drone components to Russia.

Ireland will continue to support the use of EU sanctions to maintain pressure on Russia, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat circumvention.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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48. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the current situation in relation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine; if any further measures against Russia are anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11141/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As we enter the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion, it is clear that Ukrainian forces remain under significant pressure. On 18 February, following four months of intense fighting, the Ukrainian military was forced to retreat from the city of Adiivka, primarily due to a severe shortage in military equipment. Russia has launched new offensives across the Ukrainian frontline.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba met with EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels last month and made clear that Ukraine requires significant additional support from partners if it is to be able to continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against the Russian invasion.

The EU has adopted substantive targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Over 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to EU restrictive measures. On 23 February 2024, Ireland welcomed the adoption of the thirteenth package of EU sanctions against Russia, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This package includes the listing of almost 200 new individuals and entities, providing support to the Russian armed forces. The package also includes the listing of 27 additional third country entities, which will now be subject to tighter export controls for dual use goods and technology.

The sectoral measures introduced to date have resulted in a significant decrease in access by Russia of dual use and advanced technology goods from Europe. While direct exports from Europe have declined, data shows there are still significant challenges with dual use goods reaching Russia via third countries. Ireland fully supports the work of the David O'Sullivan, the EU's Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions in tackling circumvention.

Ireland supports the continued use of EU sanctions to maintain pressure on Russia and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. These measures are carefully targeted and aim to impede Russia's ability to wage this war of aggression.