Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

21. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had any discussions with her Ukrainian counterpart; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66280/25]

Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

23. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her assessment of the current situation in Ukraine and the threat posed to Europe by Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66674/25]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

41. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to the US-Russia agreement on Ukraine, which appears to propose rewarding Russian aggression with territorial gains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66693/25]

Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

50. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her engagement with EU colleagues in relation to the situation in Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66288/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 23, 41 and 50 together.

At this critical juncture for Ukraine, after almost 4 years of brutal Russian aggression, I want to emphasise Ireland’s unequivocal support and solidarity.

I attended the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 November where Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha spoke about recent Russian attacks against Ukraine. I also participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 26 November, also addressed by Foreign Minister Sybiha.

I welcome the ongoing efforts of President Trump and the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.

It is more important than ever that Europe and the United States continue to work together to achieve this.

The emerging US proposals, as well as plans for further negotiations, represent a step forward. I welcome the progress made at Sunday’s meetings between US and Ukraine in Geneva. We look forward to these talks continuing in a positive manner and to further progress being achieved.

Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively in these discussions despite the ongoing Russian military assault on its towns and cities, ports and critical energy infrastructure.

It is crucial that any agreement upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld.

Any agreement must also protect Ukraine and Europe’s vital security. That means strong, credible guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend its sovereignty and to avoid a repetition of the past.

This is not just vital for Ukraine - it is also vital for the European Union and all its Member States, including Ireland.

The Taoiseach and I remain in close contact with our European partners to achieve this. The Taoiseach took part in a meeting the European Council on 24 November and a meeting of the leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing” on 25 November.

The threat posed by Russia extends beyond Ukraine. We have recently seen the airspace of our EU partners violated by drones and planes and other hybrid activities within the EU. The Government has strongly condemned these hybrid activities.

The Government takes the risks posed by these activities and the transformed security landscape in Europe very seriously.

We are actively and constructively engaging in the development of EU policies aimed at combatting hybrid threats and in particular Russia’s campaign of hybrid activity against the EU and its Member States.

We will continue to work with our EU partners to strengthen our collective resilience. Domestically, the Government is implementing a range of relevant measures at national level to combat hybrid threats from state and non-state actors.