Laois TD Charlie Flanagan throws full support behind Ukraine and slams 'terrorist' Russia on invasion anniversary
Russia's leadership must be tracked down, prosecuted and punished for the war crimes inflicted during its invasion of Ukraine according to Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan.
Speaking as Chair of the all-party Oireachtas committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, the Fine Gael TD gave complete backing to Ukraine.
"I pledge unwavering support for the people of Ukraine and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and its internationally recognised borders," he said.
He said civilians, including humanitarian personnel, journalists, persons in vulnerable situations, women and children must be protected from the Russians who, the former Minister for Justice said must be held to account.
"There must be full accountability for continued and flagrant breaches of international law, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and crimes of aggression. There can be no impunity for these horrendous acts by Russia. Every war criminal in the Russian hierarchy both military and political must be tracked down, prosecuted and punished. The international crime of aggression must be dealt with under a specially convened Tribunal, he said.
The former Minister for Foreign Affairs said Ireland must continue to take a stand against this State terror.
"We in Ireland are duty bound to speak out loudly against Russian aggression and use our voices not just on anniversaries, but every single day working with international bodies the EU and UN to hold Russia accountable and uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Russia under Vladimir Putin is nothing less than a terrorist state and Ireland must join international community in stating and repeating this daily and unequivocally," he said.
The TD also wants Russia banned from the Olympics
"I agree with President Zelensky when he says ‘While Russia kills and terrorises, representatives of the terrorist state have no place at sporting or OIympic competitions The mere presence of Russians at the Paris Olympic games will be a manifestation of lawlessness and violence’. A ban on all Russian athletes ahead of the Paris games is essential," he said.
He made the remarks at a Ukraine Anniversary event in Dublin where he met Larysa Gerasko, Ukraine's Ambassador to Ireland.
"I’m honoured to stand in the presence of Ambassador Gerasko the official representative of the govt of Ukraine in Ireland and commit to our ongoing and continuing support and solidarity for you and the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes," he said.
The TD also wants Ukraine in the EU without delay.
"Ireland will accelerate the sharing of our experience and expertise in the European Union with Kyiv to assist Ukraine in its quest for EU membership with the aim of having EU membership granted asap," he said.