LAST UPDATE | 3 Jan
THE TÁNAISTE HAS criticised Russia’s “abhorrent” bombings of Ukraine’s energy grid on Christmas Day, saying they are not the actions of a country seeking peace.
Micheál Martin said that, as temperatures plummet to freezing conditions, Russia is continuing “cynically” to target civilians and civilian infrastructure.
In a statement, Martin said it is “imperative” that Ireland and the EU “stand firm” in the face of Russia aggression.
“As we begin 2025, the people of Ukraine are suffering through their third winter of Russia’s brutal invasion,” Martin added.
“Millions have been forced to flee their homeland, and millions more are internally displaced.
“As temperatures plummet, Russia continues to cynically target civilians and civilian infrastructure, including abhorrent bombings of Ukraine’s energy grid on Christmas Day. These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.”
Martin said there have been “horrific reports” of human rights abuses carried out by Russia, including the “large-scale forced deportation and imprisonment” of civilians, mistreatment of prisoners of war and repression in the partially occupied territories of Ukraine.
“It is imperative that we continue to stand firm in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, and support Ukraine in whatever way we can: bilaterally, at EU level and in international fora.”
He said Ireland committed a further 36 million euro in bilateral support for Ukraine in 2024.
“This funding will provide essential humanitarian assistance and support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, while contributing to Ukraine’s longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations,” the Fianna Fail leader added.
“Ireland has continued to fund shelter, cash assistance and other winterisation activities, as well as wider humanitarian support.
After Russia waged war in Ukraine in February 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainians fled the county and sought refuge in Ireland.
According to the Central Statistics Office, by September of 2024 there were 109,566 people from Ukraine with temporary protection orders living in Ireland.
“As many have been displaced, Ireland has responded to this challenge by welcoming Ukrainians to our country. We have also continued to support Ukraine as it progresses along its European path.
If Russia is allowed to prevail, we will all bear the consequences.
“In September, Ireland and Ukraine signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement on support and co-operation.
“This new agreement is a political and practical declaration of Ireland’s support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“It sends a clear signal that we will not waver in the face of the ongoing brutal aggression in Ukraine and signifies Ireland’s determination to defend the fundamental principles that are the foundation of a rules-based international order.
“Although peace might seem a distant prospect today, we must continue to work with our EU and international partners to build global support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
“Facing into 2025, it is important that we recall that through the defence of their nation, Ukrainians also defend our fundamental European and universal freedoms: the rights of all people to live peacefully, within their own borders, without fear of being attacked.
“If Russia is allowed to prevail, we will all bear the consequences. Russia’s actions represent a threat to our collective European security and the values which have always underpinned Irish and EU foreign policy.
“That is why Ireland will continue to stand with Ukraine. Now, and in the future.”
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