This is an important discussion because a Trump-Putin alliance threatens Ukraine.
What are the implications in Ireland?
A very simple policy should be supported by the left in Ireland :
We do not have a policy of “Neutrality” in the conflict between Israel and Palestine – we are for Palestine. We must not have a policy of “Neutrality” in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine – we must be for Ukraine. Trump-Putin are promoting genocide in Palestine and Ukraine.
Concretely, the Irish state helps Ukraine to clear mines planted by the Russian genocidal invaders.
The Irish left must support this measure.
Moving things forward :
Expand mine clearing and related non lethal military support.
That has to be the policy of the Irish left – no ifs and buts.
Alongside that, we must oppose any Irish state attempt to to join imperialist military alliances such as NATO – a firm policy of Non-Alignment is required.
I understand your arguments. I share your argument that we need a perspective of solidarity for the whole continent of Europe. This perspective includes massive support for the Ukrainian resistance. However, the fact that the countries of Europe and the USA have so far given too little support to Ukraine is not due to military inferiority vis-à-vis Russia but has political and economic reasons. At least some important sectors of capital have always focused on resuming “reasonable economic relations” with Russia.
The Left marks International Migrants Day today, noting that the European Commission and Member states have significantly backtracked in recent days over commitments to basic human rights protections for migrants and refugees, to the point of endorsing the illegal practice of pushbacks on EU borders.
In a Communication announced last week by Executive President Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission shockingly gave the greenlight for Member States to conduct pushbacks on the EU’s borders and to adopt ‘exceptional measures’ that suspend or delay the registration of asylum applications.
Left MEP Estrella Galán (Sumar, Spain) said: “The Commission’s decision to grant Member States carte-blanche to suspend the right to asylum at borders under the pretext of ‘security’ threats reflects the growing influence of the far-right, which seeks to criminalise migrants and refugees, turning the right to asylum into a mere tool for control and exclusion.”
Left MEP Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland) said: “The most right-wing Commission in the history of the EU starts its mandate by trying to give the greenlight to Member States to legalise pushbacks. But it is important to note that the Commission Communication is a political statement. Pushbacks are contrary to international human rights law and the assessment of their legality will remain in the hands of the courts – not the Commission. Strengthening security must never mean compromising on fundamental and human rights.”
This comes following the decision of a number of Member States such as Finland and Poland to suspend asylum processes, citing ‘the instrumentalisation of migration’ by Russia and Belarus. This course of action will only further endanger people seeking refuge at Europe’s external borders.
During this week’s plenary session in Strasbourg, The Left expressed deep concern about these flagrant attacks on human rights and the right to asylum. The Commission’s Communication comes as the European approach to asylum and migration deteriorates across the board. The EU’s policy of border externalisation continues apace, as does the criminalisation of humanitarian aid and search and rescue in Member States, all of which represent a pattern of crackdowns on the right to asylum in the EU since the adoption of the Asylum and Migration Pact.
nstead of fake doves, listen to those who care enough to actually ask people on the ground about their concerns. Pressure Putin, not us—stop trading with him, for God’s sake. Strengthen Ukraine, with arms, diplomatic efforts, grants, and by raising the voices of the unions & CSO
Li Andersson MEP, Finland, Left Alliance
At the plenary session today, we had a debate on the EU’s support to Ukraine. During our visit to Ukraine, everyone emphasized how this winter will be the hardest period since Putin started his war of aggression. That is why our support is so needed now.
Utmost importance that we stand firm in our solidarity with Ukraine
Tomás Ó Flatharta 