Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the rebellion in Russia affects European defence security, as observed in the course of any meetings he has had at European level. [32446/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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121. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent, if any, to which his fellow European leaders have indicated concern at the recent rebellion in Russia; and whether any particular security threats have been highlighted as a result. [32447/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which recent events in Russia have affected EU solidarity, as evidenced through his recent attendance at the EU Council. [32746/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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123. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to indicate, given recent events in Russia and indications at the recent European Council meeting which he attended, how it was concluded that Russia, in the aftermath of recent events, was deemed less stable from a European context; and if all EU leaders agree with the summation. [33082/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 121, 122 and 123 together.

I, and officials from my Department, have had a range of discussions with EU and other counterparts in respect of the events that occurred internally in Russia in June this year. We maintain ongoing engagement with partner governments and expert analysts in respect of the internal situation in Russia and any potential impact this may have on European security and defence issues.

We are also concerned by the reports of Wagner mercenaries operating in Belarus, which has been a particular cause for concern for those EU member states bordering that country. However, in recent weeks the situation seems to have abated somewhat with reports of some Wagner personnel having since returned to Russia. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Belarus.

Ireland and the European Union have been consistent in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. It is clear from my engagement with EU partners, including most recently at the informal meetings of EU Foreign Ministers in Toledo and New York, that Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast. The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. It is important that we do not lose focus on our commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.