Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

167. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline any correspondence or communication from the Russian embassy since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 on Ireland’s position regarding that invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21776/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have not engaged in direct correspondence or communication with my Russian counterpart nor met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since February 2022.

Since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, my engagements on this issue have focused on direct engagement with Ukraine, as the victim of Russian aggression, and with our European Union and like-minded partners. Ireland’s priority remains ensuring that Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself from Russian aggression, and in doing so, defend our shared fundamental values that we in Europe hold dear.

Officials in my Department have maintained limited engagement with the Russian Ambassador to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), and to address specific matters of concern relating to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

In coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned to the Department on 3 October 2022. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September 2022 illegally annexing part of the territory of Ukraine, and would not recognise such declared annexations.

The Russian Ambassador was again called in by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 November 2022 when the Government’s firm objection to the unwarranted and unjustified travel ban imposed on Irish citizens was conveyed.

As part of Ireland’s response to the death of prominent Russian opposition politician and anti-corruption activist, Alexei Navalny, the Secretary General of my Department summoned the Russian Ambassador on 20 February 2024 to express our condemnation at the death of Mr Navalny and to call for a full investigation.

It is important to keep diplomatic channels open with the Russian Federation, to enable the Government to continue to directly convey our strong opposition to Russia's illegal war of aggression in Ukraine, and to protect Ireland's interests and those of Irish citizens in Russia.