THE UKRAINIAN AMBASSADOR to Ireland has sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs a list of Irish companies that she claims continue to trade with Russia.
Larysa Gerasko said she has asked the department to urge the companies to cut their trade and economic relationships with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Gerasko appeared before the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs as concerns have been raised about Russian money moving through Ireland’s finance centre.
The Dáil was previously told that €118 billion was funnelled through Dublin to Russia between 2005 and 2017.
Gerasko, who appeared before the committee to speak about Ukraine’s application for European Union membership, said: “We have a list of companies affiliated with Ireland and we have passed the list of companies to DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) for its consideration in order to cut trade and economic relations.
“There are some companies here which continue to have trade and economic relationship with Russia.”
Labour’s Brendan Howlin said the committee will ask the department for a copy of the list.
Gerasko also called on the committee to urge their colleagues in Nato member states to push for a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
She said it would protect Ukrainians from Russian shelling and protect infrastructure and nuclear power plants.
Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond and Senator Regina Doherty said it is “inevitable” that a decision to implement a no-fly zone will be taken.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked the European Union to support its application and allow immediate EU membership.
Gerasko said their bid to meet the Copenhagen criteria, a set of rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the EU, has been “successful”.
“It is hard to discuss this issue now when part of our country is destroyed,” she added.
“The infrastructure and homes are being destroyed, but not the reforms (of Ukraine).
“I would say that our reforms were pretty successful before three weeks ago.
We have to do a lot and to continue anti-corruption reforms.
“It was one of main problems in Ukraine, that’s true, but believe me this war changed the nation, changed our politicians and everything in our country.
“We are united now more than ever. Many politicians have fled the country who were involved in the corruption.
“This war has made some kind of clearance.”
Speaking about how the Irish people can help Ukrainians, Gerasko said her country needs more ambulances and medicines for wounded civilians and military.
She also urged the Irish Government to expel Russian diplomats from Ireland and to close its seaports.
“We haven’t time to wait. That is the main message. Each and every day and every hour it means dozens of human lives of civilians and militaries,” she added.
“It’s extremely important that the EU member states have to make and to take a decision more rapidly. It’s time to act, it’s not time to talk.
“We are paying a huge price for our freedom, but not only for our freedom, but for security in the European Union.
“I am sure that now only democratic countries have to be strong and take a firm stance and to act very rapidly.
“We have a war that is even worse than Second World War.”
Gerasko said she has asked for Zelenskyy to speak to the Oireachtas and was awaiting his reply.
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