Kelly calls upon Irish MEPs to reaffirm solidarity with Ukraine

Seán Kelly MEP and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament is calling on all Irish MEPs to stand in solidarity with Ukraine ahead of tomorrow’s four-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal war of aggression.

“On Tuesday, the European Parliament will hold a special plenary sitting in a show of solidarity with Ukraine, a country which has endured a brutal and illegal war of aggression by Russia for four years now. MEPs will vote on a strongly worded joint resolution condemning Russia, and I call on all Irish MEPs to vote in favour. This will be an important test of solidarity, following a vote on a vital EU loan for Ukraine which some Irish MEPs opposed”, MEP Kelly said.

“This week’s resolution reiterates the parliament’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The Parliament demands that Russia and its proxy forces immediately, completely end all military action in Ukraine, withdraw all forces, release and return prisoners of war, political detainees, kidnapped children and civilians”, the Ireland South MEP said.

The Parliament will reaffirm its full support for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on terms determined by Ukraine and acceptable to its people, as Kelly points out: “MEPs will insist that no EU sanctions against Russia should be lifted before a peace agreement is negotiated and sustainably implemented. This resolution also reaffirms full support for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on terms determined by Ukraine and acceptable to its people”.

Any peace agreement must not place limitations on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and must be based on full respect for the principles of international law, accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression, and Russian reparations for the massive damage caused in Ukraine, the parliament will state.

“We must not forget that Russia’s war on Ukraine is a war against European values, democracy and international law. It is imperative that the EU supports Ukraine in trying to defend its innocent civilians from these brutal Russian attacks. Ireland is a militarily neutral country but we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and our European partners”, Kelly added.