Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has said that three years on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ireland remains committed “in support of the people of Ukraine, and in our call for adherence to international law and to peace across Europe and the world.”
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:
“Three years ago now, Vladimir Putin’s Russia launched a brutal war of aggression on its neighbour, Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the largest land conflict and greatest displacement of people in Europe for nearly 80 years.
“I reiterate that Russia’s attack on and bombardment of the Ukrainian people is an attack on sovereignty, on peace and on the right of a nation to be sovereign, independent and free. It is a vicious and violent expression of the dead-end belief that might is right and military power can dominate humanity.
“The result to date of this most brutal invasion is the killing of more than 12,654 civilian men, women, girls, and boys, and over 29,392 injured, since 24 February 2022, as verified by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission.
“We have also seen millions of Ukrainian people who have been forced to leave their homeland.
“In spite of this, ordinary civilians in Ukraine have persevered with immense courage and resilience to continue their everyday lives and keep their country going, despite the severe challenges and brutality that they face.
“They are faced with incredible challenges and attacks which hugely affect the ability to provide education, healthcare, heating supply, and water distribution.
“Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has come under 14 large-scale, coordinated attacks since last March alone, creating a serious electricity deficit, and intensifying the difficulties in these key areas.
“The Irish people have supported the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion and have stood with them and demonstrated their solidarity with Ukraine and I want to re-iterate Sinn Féin’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine
“We are clear that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a blatant breach of international law, a full-scale aggression which has been defined by war crimes committed by the Russian military against innocent people.
“Sinn Féin calls for a coordinated and concerted effort by the international community to secure an end to the hostilities and build peace.
“We want to see a peaceful settlement for the people of Ukraine, but we wish for peace on the basis of a just and sustainable settlement respecting Ukraine’s rights.
“Ireland should use its voice, to the greatest extent possible, to achieve an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
“Last year we all would have said that we would hope that we will not have to mark another year again next year. Sadly, tragically, many, many people have been killed in the intervening period.
“Unfortunately the people of Ukraine have been left down in that regard. Nonetheless, I hope that this time next year, that there will be peace. I know that the people of Ukraine hope for peace.
“But it must be peace that is on a just, and sustainable basis, and the Ukrainian people must be at the table in any negotiations.
“Sinn Féin remains committed in our support of the people of Ukraine, and in our call for adherence to international law and to peace across Europe and the World.
“Any new negotiations regarding the future of Ukraine can only take place with Ukraine being at the table.
“There can be nothing decided about Ukraine, without Ukraine.
“It is only in that way that we can see a peaceful settlement for the people of Ukraine and for humanity and for the Ukrainian people, I hope that happens sooner rather than later.”
