Sir, – Ukraine has now known the brutal terror of war for 12 years, four of those a full-scale war of aggression. The Ukrainian community in Ireland remains incredibly grateful for our support and have become extraordinary friends and neighbours in the most difficult of circumstances.
But, I am ashamed to say that our support in real terms has dwindled in recent times as housing supports ease, it now pales in comparison to other similarly sized EU allies such as Denmark. Ireland depends upon a stable Europe for our economic model of free trade and multilateralism to succeed. We have as much responsibility for European peace and security as the Nordic, eastern and Baltic nations.
The line between war and peace in the European Union is thinner than many would like to believe. Ukraine is holding that line, and they deserve our strong support. The alternative is simply unthinkable.
We must ask ourselves, what kind of Europe do we want our children and grandchildren to inherit? Democracy and the principle of national sovereignty is not defended through words of solidarity alone, but through meaningful action and support.
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Let us set an example to Europe and the wider world as our presidency of the European Council approaches. This is our opportunity to substantially increase direct humanitarian and non-lethal aid contributions. We can lead the way in championing Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
We may be two nations, but we are one Europe. – Yours, etc,
ANDREW DUNNE,
Rialto,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – On this fourth anniversary of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, launched through the toxic Chornobyl exclusion zone, I write with a heavy heart and an urgent plea for renewed international solidarity with the children and families who continue to endure conflict, displacement and deepening humanitarian uncertainty. As we approach the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the painful lessons of the past have never felt more immediate.
Recent attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, alongside last year’s drone strike on the protective shelter at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, underscore the dangerous convergence of humanitarian crisis and nuclear risk. The so-called “impregnable” sarcophagus built to shield humanity from the catastrophic legacy of 1986 now stands breached and scarred, heightening the risk of another nuclear catastrophe and casts a long and ominous shadow over the wars of the future.
The weaponising of nuclear power plants brings our world to a perilous precipice, holding humanity to ransom. Never before in the history of the atomic age has a nuclear facility been seized in the theatre of war; such sites were always deemed globally “off-limits” because of their lethal potential. We are playing Russian roulette with a loaded gun.
It is deeply troubling that, four decades after one of the worst nuclear disasters in history, the region again faces threats to both people and environment. The attack on Chornobyl last year was a stark reminder that the lessons of history must never be forgotten. We neglect Ukraine at our peril.
Since the beginning of this war, Chernobyl Children International has consistently advocated that all nuclear facilities be designated “No War Zones.” We call upon world leaders to invoke The Hague Convention, which defines attacks on nuclear facilities as war crimes. The protection of such sites must be absolute and non-negotiable.
As the world reflects on 40 years since Chornobyl, let it also reaffirm a collective commitment: to protect children from the ravages of war, to safeguard nuclear facilities from military aggression, and to ensure that history’s gravest lessons are neither ignored nor repeated. – Yours, etc,
ADI ROCHE,
Voluntary CEO,
Chernobyl Children International,
Cork.
Sir, – The EU would do well to consider taking the necessary steps to suspend EU membership for Hungary and Slovakia unless both countries immediately reverse their threat to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine and commit to ending their reliance on Russian oil (with EU financial support, if necessary) – and Hungary lifts its threat to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.
The failure of the EU to deal decisively with the pro-Russian actions of member states imperils both Ukraine and the EU. On the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia – these threats are a serious stab in the back for Ukraine. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS FITZPATRICK
Dublin 6.
Sir, – In blocking EU aid to Ukraine, Hungary prime minister Viktor Orban’s government is failing to uphold the EU’s core values of democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights. These values have been trampled by Russia in recent times and the EU must set an example.
The Article 7 mechanism of the Treaty on European Union is perhaps an appropriate response. Sooner rather than later. Suspension of Hungary’s voting rights until such time as they decide to either voluntarily exit the EU or they accept its core values. The EU must stop prevaricating. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT STRUNZ,
Aughinish,
Co Clare
