Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has any concerns that a deal between Ukraine and Russian brokered by the United States could result in Russian aggression being rewarded with territorial gain; the discussions he has had with EU counterparts in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27451/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am encouraged by the renewed US bilateral engagement with Ukraine. US support for Ukraine since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion has been essential.

We all want to see peace in Ukraine. But how we make peace matters. Ukraine must be centrally involved in any negotiations and supported to engage from a position of strength. Russia must not be rewarded for its unprovoked aggression against its peaceful neighbour. Any agreement must therefore uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

While I welcome that direct talks took place between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on 16 May, it is regrettable that President Putin – who called for these talks – did not attend and that no progress was made on a ceasefire agreement.

It is also disappointing that no clear timeframe for a ceasefire agreement emerged from the recent US-Russia phone call. President Putin’s comments following the call indicate that he maintains his maximalist demands, and has no genuine interest in peace. Russia's continuing attacks on Ukraine are not the acts of a country interested in peace.

I join Ukraine and our EU & international partners in calling on Russia to engage in good faith and to implement a full, unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days.

This pause in hostilities could serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering and allow space for meaningful talks for genuine peace aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression.

Dialogue and diplomacy remain vitally important. I continue to work closely with my EU partners to secure the best outcome for Ukraine and for Europe, both at the Foreign Affairs Council and bilaterally. I welcome ongoing discussions on how the EU can step-up its military support for Ukraine, play a constructive role in any potential peace process, and contribute to security guarantees as part of a peace agreement.