FF reps show solidarity in Ukrainian Ambassador meeting

The meeting took place on Wednesday at Leinster House.

Local Oireachtas members representing Fianna Fáil have held a meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, to show solidarity with her over the ongoing invasion of her country by Russian military forces.

Also in attendance was Charge d`Affaires of Ukraine in Ireland, Olena Shaloput.

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TDs Brendan Smith, Niamh Smith, and Senator Diarmuid Wilson were among the delegation who met with the Ukranian representation to Ireland.

The meeting took place yesterday (Wednesday, March 2) at Leinster House.

Deputy Smith said he was glad to meet with Ms' Gerasko and Shaloput to get an update on the “extremely difficult position” facing the people of Ukraine due to the “naked aggression” of Russia and it’s “despicable and illegal invasion” of a sovereign independent state.

“As Convenor of the Ireland-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group I arranged for a briefing to be provided to members.

“Also as Chairman I arranged for the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador to address our Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting which is comprised of TDs, Senators and MEPs where there was very good engagement with Members including An Taoiseach and other members of the government.”

Deputy Smith said it was “very clear and absolutely incumbent” on the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and their other international partners to provide, as a matter of “extreme urgency”, further direct aid in different forms to the people of Ukraine.

At a meeting of the British/Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Westminster earlier this week Deputy Smith reminded that Ukraine as a sovereign country has the right to choose its own foreign policy and its security path, and the attack by Russia was the first invasion in Europe since 1945.

“The strongest possible sanctions must be imposed by the international community on Russia and they have to pay an appropriate price for their horrific actions against an independent people. We are seeing death and destruction caused by this Russian onslaught and we are also witnessing the fear, suffering and trauma inflicted on innocent people throughout the Ukraine. Unfolding before us is a very major humanitarian crisis and the international community must respond with urgency in the most responsive and generous way possible,” stated Deputy Brendan Smith.

Deputy Smyth meanwhile said she too was “delighted” to offer our support and hand of friendship.

“I have reiterated deeply held view that the Russian Ambassador should be expelled from the this country and all 27 member states while Putin continues a rein war and death on the Ukrainian people. She informed us that a humanitarian crisis is unfolding as we speak. As an Oireachtas friendship we will do all in power to #StandWithUkrainie at this difficult time and assist in whatever way we can.”

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