The British Government remains committed to backing initiatives to hold Russia to account for its unprovoked warfare in Ukraine, in spite of warnings from Russia warning of an “unavoidable counteraction” to Ireland’s supposed “illegal activity”. This was in reaction to criticism from the Russian embassy in Dublin.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated support for the European Union’s decision to confiscate earnings from frozen Russian assets to provide weaponry and assistance to Ukraine.
The DFA stated that Ireland plans to use income from these frozen assets to facilitate Ukraine’s security and rebuilding needs. As Irish establishments don’t have any sovereign Russian assets, the DFA clarified that this wouldn’t directly impact the €1.9 billion in sanctioned and frozen Russian assets in Ireland.
Previously, all 27 EU member nations formally agreed to reallocate revenue accrued from immobilised Russian sovereign assets to aid Ukraine. This funds will likely be derived from the interest generated by the approximately €200 billion Russian Central Bank assets held within the EU.
Following an agreement in the EU in February, where it was decided that this income would contribute to Ukraine’s defence of its land, sovereignty and its citizens from the ongoing violent and illegal invasion by Russia. These were the words from the DFA statement.
The Russian embassy in Dublin, under the leadership of ambassador Yuriy Filatov, has lambasted Ireland for its participation in this agreement, labelling it as an “illegal activity”.
This initiative is not a full seizure of deposits but a halfway deal that will free about €3 billion annually for Ukraine in the form of cash and military equipment.
In keeping with its policy of military neutrality, Ireland refrained from endorsing the use of these resources for lethal military aid but will permit the funds to be used for non-lethal supplies.
The Russian embassy has charged Ireland with agreeing to an “unprecedented and illegal resolution” which doesn’t align with international law norms and the supposed “rules-based order” lauded by Ireland.
In a recent condemnation, Ireland has been implicated by Russia as a collaborator in what they label as “blatant robbery”. Furthermore, it states that Ireland has now proved itself to be a cog in the machinery of the West’s on-going hybrid conflict against Russia. Ireland’s participation, according to Russia, started with European Union (EU) sanctions and the freezing of Russian assets. This has now escalated to full-blown theft in broad daylight, emulating the West’s past actions towards nations deemed ‘antagonistic’ by Washington or Brussels. The embassy purports that this action will naturally culminate in a “further economical deterioration of the EU”, along with various unanticipated outcomes.
Russia’s official dealings suggested that Ireland must “readily accept accountability” for the asset seizure due to their role involved in it. This action has been classified as a violation of all existing legal standards, as well as an act of economic belligerence and political hostility. The response from Russia, the embassy emphasises, will be “unavoidable” and moulded in a manner that best serves Russia’s interests.
Since the onset of the war, Ireland has contributed over €90 million towards stabilisation and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. In addition, the commitment extends towards the provision of non-lethal military assistance amounting to some €250 million. The Irish Defence Forces have also trained 400 Ukrainian soldiers in an array of areas including tactical combat casualty care, demining, and drill instruction training.