Zelenskyy: Ireland has not remained neutral to Russia's war on Ukraine
Addressing the Oireachtas via video link, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked the Irish people for their support for Ukraine but has called on politicians to convince the EU to take greater action against Russia. Picture: Oireachtas TV/PA Wire
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked the Irish people for their support for Ukraine but has called on politicians to convince the EU to take greater action against Russia.
Addressing the Oireachtas via video link, Mr Zelenskyy said that since the "very first days" Ireland has supported Ukraine.
"Although you are a neutral country, you have not remained neutral to the disaster and to the mishaps that Russia has brought," he said.
"Thank you for supporting sanctions, thank you for the humanitarian and financial support extended to my country and thank you for your caring about Ukrainian people who have found shelter in your land."
He said that while the whole world knows about the crimes against the people of Ukraine, some European countries still need to be fully convinced that they now must abandon Russian oil and other supplies which are funding Putin's army.
Mr Zelensky said Russia had not abandoned its plans.
“They’re still looking forward to subduing and occupying all of the Ukrainian people, we want to do our best to make sure that Russia will start looking for peace and leave us alone.
"I would like to ask you to show more leadership... to convince EU partners to introduce even more rigid sanctions against Russia that would really make sure that the Russian war machine is stopped and we have to put an end to trading with Russia."
He told TDs and senators that in the 42 days of "all-out Russian war" at least 167 children have been killed and the atrocities being committed in Mariupol and the other areas where fighting is going on remains unknown.
The President added that 258 hospitals and 78 ambulances have been attacked and the Russian army has targeted churches and other buildings where they know women and children are sheltering.
He said a country that does this "doesn't deserve to be in the circle of civil countries".
Ceann Comhairle, Sean Ó Fearghaíl said senators and TDs had gathered "to hear form a friend and ally" whose country is "under monstrous, bloody and vicious attack".
The Taoiseach said Ireland is a neutral country, but we are not neutral when it comes to the attack on Ukraine.
"We are with Ukraine," Micheál Martin said.
He said Ireland will support the strongest of sanctions against Russia and will also back Ukraine's EU membership application.
Addressing those who have arrived in Ireland, Mr Martin said "I hope you find safe harbour and friendship for as long as you need it."
The Taoiseach said: "Russia will have to live with the shame of what they have done in Ukraine for generations. Those responsible will be held to account. We are with Ukraine and I am certain that, in the end, Ukraine will prevail."
Mr Martin told the special sitting, which was attended by the Ambassador of Ukraine Larysa Gerasko, Ireland wants "the strongest possible sanctions" against the Russian Federation and "we will pursue those".
"That is why we support the establishment of a Solidarity Trust Fund for Ukraine, agreed by EU Leaders when we met in Brussels on 24/25 March, to support the Government of Ukraine now, and when the war is over to support reconstruction.
"That is why I have welcomed and support Ukraine's application for EU Membership. I welcome it again this morning in this House. It is the democratic right of Ukraine and the people of Ukraine to decide their political orientation. You have chosen to apply for EU membership.
"We know that EU enlargement has been a force for stabilisation and democratisation in the EU’s neighbourhood. It is in the EU’s strategic interest. It is in Ukraine’s interest. As I said to you President Zelenskyy, when we spoke on 16 March, I will continue to support Ukraine’s case."
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said it is "long past time" for the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador, who was invited to attend the sitting but declined.
Ms McDonald said Russia should be prosecuted for human-rights violations against Ukrainian civilians.
She said: “We have heard directly from President Zelensky in the most harrowing, most heartbreaking of terms.
“We have heard testimony of the vicious war crimes committed by the Russian military in Ukraine, and we have been set a challenge, and innocent civilians have been executed with their arms tied behind their backs.
“There have been horrific accounts of rape and torture, the brutalisation by the powerful of vulnerable ordinary citizens in their war-torn country.
“These are crimes against the Ukrainian people and these are crimes against humanity, and Russia must be held accountable for its barbarism and justice must be done.
“These human-rights violations and grave breaches of the Geneva Convention demand investigation by the International Criminal Court and prosecutions to follow.”
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