I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. In August 2022, I travelled to Ukraine and I saw at first hand the damage caused by Russia’s illegal invasion. I saw the suffering of ordinary families. I met people who had lost their homes, livelihoods and, in many cases, members of their family. I will not forget what I saw, and I will not stop saying that this war was unprovoked and is unjustified and wrong. I support this motion, which authorises the establishment of an international claims commission for Ukraine. It puts the principle of accountability into a working compensation system. It says clearly that the state responsible for the damage must pay for the damage. That is a basic point of justice, and Ireland should stand behind it. The war has dragged on for more than four years. The fighting continues. Civilians are still being killed daily, including in a missile strike just two days ago. There are short symbolic ceasefires being declared this week around Russia's victory day commemorations. They are welcome insofar as they spare lives but a 48-hour pause is not peace. Only serious negotiations will deliver a lasting settlement. I urge the Russian side to extend any pause in the fighting, to engage seriously and to come to the table in good faith. The Ukrainian people have shown again and again that they want this war to end. They have made several gestures to the President of Russia as well as other intermediaries. Russia must show the same by being willing to engage and demonstrate that peace is possible. Ireland has stood with Ukraine from the very start, bilaterally and through the European Union, and we should continue to do so. Signing this convention is a further step in that solidarity. As the Minister of State will be aware, the Taoiseach has been to the forefront in speaking to European colleagues and using Ireland's soft power to ensure Ukraine is kept to the forefront of the agenda as a candidate country in the European Union. As the Minister of State for European affairs is present, it is imperative that Ukraine is also included as much as possible in our Presidency of the European Commission. I commend the motion to the House.

Sentiment score: -0.03