55. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussion on Ukraine at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 June 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50081/26]

During the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 June, EU Foreign Ministers again discussed Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Council welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, who, via videoconference, offered an overview of the situation on the ground, outlined Ukraine's most urgent needs, and provided an update on the overnight Russian attack which struck the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Cathedral.

My counterparts and I conveyed a strong willingness to maintain our support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.

The Council also adopted 81 additional thematic listings targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex; energy revenues; propaganda efforts; and human rights violations. We also discussed proposals for the 21st package of sanctions against Russia and agreed that work must advance swiftly on the package.

Looking forward, Ireland will continue to support strong sanctions for as long as Russian aggression continues. As Presidency, Ireland is continuing to engage with all Member States on proposals for the 21st package of sanctions and hopes they can be swiftly agreed.

More broadly, we will continue to work with our EU and international partners to achieve a just and lasting peace, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and with justice and accountability at its heart.

We will continue to ensure that Ukraine continues to have access to the support and finance that it needs to defend itself. This will remain a priority during Ireland's EU Presidency, including in future meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.