After Russia temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea and invaded Donbas in 2014, the international community, including all EU member states, has implemented a policy of non-recognition and imposed sanctions on Russia.

These measures target the financial, energy and defence sectors, and the area of dual-use goods, as well as prohibit EU persons and EU based companies to carry out any economic activity linked to Crimea.

Only joint and coordinated response to Russia`s ongoing violation of international law may have effect, and unless it respects the rule of law there could be no question of doing business with Russia as usual.

In Ukraine we highly appreciate that Ireland along with other EU member states remain steadfast in its commitment to our sovereignty and territorial integrity having supported the European Council recent decision to maintain the economic sanctions on Russia.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/simon-coveney-backs-trade-with-russia-despite-eu-sanctions-wvvwt555l

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/simon-coveney-backs-trade-with-russia-despite-eu-sanctions-wvvwt555l,