Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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223. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagement he has had with foreign ministers of other EU Member States with regard to collective support for Ukraine and its people in the onslaught of ongoing violence from Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15219/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. I am committed to working with my EU partners in the period ahead to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself. This remains a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels.

Russian aggression against Ukraine features prominently on the monthly agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council, where EU Foreign Ministers are regularly joined by Foreign Minister Sybiha of Ukraine, to hear directly from him about the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most pressing needs. This is an important forum for discussion with my EU counterparts on what more the EU can do to ensure Ukraine gets the support it urgently needs to defend itself and to deter future Russian aggression.

This war, and the threat posed by Russia, is an existential issue for Ukraine, but also a major challenge to the security of Europe. The European Union has provided substantial political, humanitarian, economic and military support to Ukraine, to enable it to defend itself and, in doing so, to defend our shared fundamental values.

Ireland is playing its part. In recent weeks, I announced the allocation of €100 million to provide non-lethal military support to Ukraine. The support will be provided through partnerships with EU Member States already procuring from Ukraine and through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group Coalitions on De-mining and ICT. These mechanisms will ensure that Ireland’s support can reach Ukraine quickly, at a critical moment for the country.

An important long-term guarantee we can offer to Ukraine is membership of the European Union. The Ukrainian people have made clear their European choice and the Ukrainian government has demonstrated its commitment to the reform process. Ireland will continue to advocate at EU level for progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path.

Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the work of the US government in securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15220/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the commitment of the United States to support the achievement of peace in Ukraine. The support of the US since the start of Russia's illegal, full-scale invasion and war of aggression has been instrumental to Ukraine’s defence. Our response has been characterised by strong transatlantic cooperation, including with regard to holding Russia accountable. I recently spoke with Secretary of State Rubio, and emphasised to him the vital importance for Ireland and our European partners of continuing to support Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is also a question of European and transatlantlic security.

US proposals for a partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea as well as plans for further negotiations represent a first and positive step forward.

Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively in these discussions despite the ongoing Russian assault. Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities demonstrate that Russia is intent on escalating, rather than de-escalating. These are not the actions of a country that is serious about peace.

Russia is also seeking to impose conditions on its agreement to an interim or partial ceasefire, including demanding action by the EU.

We must recall that Russia started this war as the aggressor. It cannot be seen to be rewarded for its actions.

We all want to see an end to this conflict and peace in Ukraine. However, how we arrive at peace matters. We want to achieve an outcome that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and provides the necessary security assurances, so we do not see a return to violence and aggression by Russia in the future.

We have been very clear since the full-scale invasion that we believe it is for Ukraine, a fellow democracy and a candidate for EU membership, to determine the terms, conditions and timelines for any peace agreement.

We are committed to working with Ukraine, the US, and our EU and international partners, to build global support for a comprehensive and lasting peace, with justice and accountability at its heart.