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Today marks the sombre milestone of one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, TD will attend a commemorative event hosted by the Ukrainian community group, Ukrainian Action, and supported by the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland. The event, which takes place outside the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin, will highlight Ireland’s continued solidarity with the people and Government of Ukraine, one year on from Russia’s brutal and unprovoked aggression. The occasion will be marked by observance of a minute’s silence, and interventions by the Government and Parliamentary representatives present.
Speaking ahead of today’s event, the Tánaiste said:
I am honoured to be attending this event today, alongside the Ambassador of Ukraine, and all those who stand with Ukraine, one year on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of their sovereign territory. Since the beginning of this immoral and unjustified war, Ireland has been at the forefront of international efforts to combat Russia’s aggression. We have repeatedly called on Russia to end its war of choice, to comply with its obligations under international law, and to withdraw all forces unconditionally from the sovereign territory of Ukraine.
It is vital that we continue to support Ukraine, particularly in the context of ongoing Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, whose sole purpose is to terrorise the civilian population. I am looking forward to meeting many of our Ukrainian friends who have sought refuge in this country. Please be assured that the Irish people will continue to stand with you and with Ukraine.
On 22 February, Dáil Éireann passed a Motion in support of Ukraine which:
strongly condemned without reservation the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation which commenced on 24th February, 2022 and expressed its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
On 23 February, Ireland was represented at a Special Emergency Session of the UN General Assembly in New York by Minister of State Peter Burke, TD, who delivered an intervention on behalf of Ireland. Subsequently, the General Assembly adopted a resolution tabled by Ukraine and co-sponsored by Ireland along with the U.S., EU and other partners, which again reaffirmed the General Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and underscored the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Tánaiste said:
I welcome the passing of this Resolution, which Ireland co-sponsored along with EU and other partners, by an overwhelming majority. This resounding victory for Ukraine demonstrates clearly to the Russian leadership that the international community overwhelmingly stands in condemnation of its illegal war. We will continue to support Ukraine and to stand up for the principles of the United Nations for as long as it takes.