Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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61. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4874/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has been clear in our unwavering support for the people and Government of Ukraine since the launch of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Almost three years since Russia launched its war of aggression, we are at a critical moment in terms of the trajectory of the war. It is more important than ever that the European Union and its Member States remain united in our steadfast support for Ukraine.

I discussed the situation in Ukraine with my EU counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 27 January. Foreign Minister Sybiha joined us remotely to update us on the current situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent needs.

I was also pleased to have an introductory phone call with FM Sybiha on 28 January. I reaffirmed Ireland's steadfast support to Ukraine, and reiterated our commitment to continue providing diplomatic, political, humanitarian, economic and non-lethal military assistance for as long as it takes as Ukraine defends itself against ongoing Russian aggression. I look forward to meeting Minister Sybiha in person at an early opportunity.

Ireland has committed over €380 million in financial support to Ukraine since February 2022, including approximately €130 million in stabilisation and humanitarian assistance and commitments of approximately €250 million of non-lethal military assistance. We have welcomed over 100,000 Ukrainians to Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive.

In September 2024, Ireland signed a bilateral agreement on support and cooperation with Ukraine. This sets out clearly our commitment to continue to support Ukraine as it exercises its legitimate right to self-defence, for as long as is necessary.

Ireland will also continue to be a strong supporter of Ukraine's EU membership perspective.

Together with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to build global support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and with justice and accountability at its heart. The Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which took place on 15-16th June 2024 in Switzerland, was an important first step toward building wider support across the international community for a just peace based on the principles of the UN Charter. I look forward to the upcoming vote in the UN General Assembly on a resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, which aims to solidify and broaden support across the wider UN membership around these principles. Ireland strongly supports this resolution and will work in the coming weeks to encourage our global partners to do likewise.

I expect that the situation in Ukraine will continue to feature regularly on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council and at upcoming international events, including the Munich Security Conference.