9. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she can detail any step that has been taken by Ireland in its position of EU Presidency to try to facilitate peace between Ukraine and Russia. [74582/26]

Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine. We all want to see peace in Ukraine.

However, Russia’s aggression continues, and while a deadly stalemate is maintained on the frontline, there has been a clear escalation in Russia's wider missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's towns and cities and on its energy infrastructure. These have targeted civilians and have caused extensive damage to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and Ukraine's economic capacity. Attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea grain facilities are having an impact not only on Ukraine, but are contributing to a wider crisis on food security.

Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is deadlier today for civilians than at any point since the start of the full-scale invasion. In the first eight months of 2026, more civilians were killed and injured in Ukraine than during the whole of 2025.

Russia can halt its brutal attacks any time, yet it refuses to do.

We maintain our call for a ceasefire and for Russia to cease its illegal aggression and engage in meaningful negotiations.

Ireland and EU Member States remain united in our resolve to support the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's continuing aggression. Along with our EU partners, Ireland welcomes efforts to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace agreement. It is crucial that any agreement that might be reached upholds the fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

Ukraine is a horizontal priority for our EU Presidency; we are pursuing strong sanctions against Russia; advancing Ukraine’s path to EU membership; and working to ensure Ukraine has the finance it needs.

These measures we are taking as Presidency are to ensure that Ukraine can enter peace negotiations from a position of strength.

Ireland also participates in the Coalition of the Willing with a focus on devising effective and robust security guarantees for Ukraine once a peace agreement is in place.

We will also maintain pressure on Russia until it agrees a ceasefire and comes to the negotiating table.