Micheál Martin: Ireland's support for Ukraine is support for human rights
Tánaiste Micheal Martin meets a young refugee in February 2023 outside the GPO in Dublin where a rally was held to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. File picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
For many of us, September marks a fresh start. A time when a certain rhythm and routine returns to our lives.
In Ukraine, two-and-a-half years on from the launch of Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion, that rhythm is upended daily by Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population, including hospitals, schools and energy infrastructure.
More lives are lost every day. In Ireland, children return to school this week following the summer break. In Ukraine, children attend lessons in bunkers and basements across the country, trying to maintain normality and education in the face of ongoing Russian attacks.
Ireland is a militarily neutral country. But we have never been politically or morally neutral in the face of violations of international law, or international crimes.
Quite the opposite. Our position is informed by our core values, and by the principles that drive our foreign policy — support for human rights, for international humanitarian law, for a rules-based international order and the right of all countries to choose their own path.
We cannot stand by when Russia, or any other country, disregards these principles. We stand with Ukraine as it defends itself in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Today, during his visit to Kyiv, the Taoiseach will sign with President Zelenskyy a comprehensive bilateral agreement on support and co-operation between Ireland and Ukraine. This new agreement is a political and practical declaration of Ireland’s support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It encompasses the breadth and depth of our existing policy and financial commitments to Ukraine. It is fully aligned with Ireland’s priorities and our policy of military neutrality, and commitment to non-lethal support under the European Peace Facility.
This bilateral agreement, and the 25 other bilateral agreements that Ukraine has signed with partners, also sends a clear signal to Russia that we will not waver in the face of the ongoing brutal aggression in Ukraine.
Let us not forget what this war is about. Russia’s war is not just a threat to European security, but is having global impacts. This agreement signifies Ireland’s determination to defend the fundamental principles that are the foundation of a rules-based international order.
Today, together with the Taoiseach, I will announce a significant new package of support for Ukraine, worth €36 million, which will contribute to essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction and contribute to Ukraine's longer term goals.
This will bring Ireland’s total funding to Ukraine since February 2022 to over €380 million, including approximately €130 million in stabilisation and humanitarian supports.
Recognising the particularly horrific impact of the war on women and children, our assistance in 2024 prioritises prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, support for maternity services and rebuilding of homes for people forced to flee conflict.
We will also work with Lithuania to build bomb shelters for schools in Ukraine and to rebuild destroyed schools to ensure that children can continue their education.
In supporting Ukraine, we have worked together with our European partners. We have been clear that Ukraine’s future is in the European Union. The Irish people have demonstrated deep compassion and support for Ukraine’s struggle, not least in welcoming almost 110,000 Ukrainians, who have been forced to flee Russian violence and persecution, and have sought sanctuary in Ireland.
Let us be clear. The path to peace is for the aggressor, Russia, to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.
This has been made clear by the overwhelming majority of UN Member States, including Ireland, in multiple resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly.
Respect for the principles underlying the UN Charter, including the principles of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, must form the basis for achieving peace in Ukraine. Over 100 countries reaffirmed these principles at the “Summit on Peace in Ukraine”, which Switzerland hosted in June.
Ireland will continue to use its voice and work with global partners to demand an end to Russia’s brutal war.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to the heroism of the Ukrainian people. Ordinary civilians continue to bear the brunt of this conflict as they go about their daily lives, while Russia continues its indiscriminate attacks.
They have persevered with immense courage and resolve, despite the severe challenges they face. I saw this first hand when I visited Kyiv in October last year, with my EU Foreign Ministerial counterparts.
As we continue to support Ukraine in the period ahead, we will be inspired by that courageous Ukrainian spirit, and dogged determination to defend the fundamental values that we share.
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