Bacik calls for expulsion of Russian Ambassadors from all EU Member States at S&D National Parliamentary Leaders meeting in Brussels

Speaking in Brussels today, Labour leader Ivana Bacik has urged all EU Member States to move to expel Russian diplomats.

Reiterating Labour’s support for Ukraine, Deputy Bacik said it is vital that all those fleeing the war receive a warm European welcome.

Deputy Bacik said:

“The strong stance shown by the S&D Group in solidarity with Ukraine has been an example of solidarity for all in Europe and globally. Today, I expressed Ireland’s condemnation of Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“Ireland rightly should be very proud of the Cead Míle Fáilte extended to all those fleeing the war. Ireland is militarily neutral, but not politically neutral. Government must continue to aid and support refugees arriving from Ukraine. To date, 80,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland, however we in Labour remain deeply conscious of the need to wrap community supports around those arriving.

“I reiterate my call to Government to instruct a Special Minister for Housing to better manage the provision of accomodation to refugees as well as disseminating information to communities to ensure a warm welcome is received by all.

“At a European level, we on the left are very clear. We stand against those who are apologists for Russia. They have no place across the nations of Europe. I am urging Government to move to expel the Russian Ambassador from Ireland, and I called on my European socialist colleagues to move domestically to do so too.

"Putin’s brutal regime shows no sign of abating. We must push to introduce further punitive sanctions from Europe, and ensure the speedy accession of Ukraine to the EU.

“The European project was founded from a desire for peace. As proud Europeans, we must continue to strive for peace and solidarity across the block.”