Tomás Ó Flatharta

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.

John Meehan March 22 2025

Chris Zeller’s note, published on facebook, is addressed to Hanna Perekhoda, whose article is included in this blog post :
How to Finance European Defence and how not to – and how the Irish Left can assist Ukraine by all means necessary (TÓF)

How to handle dilemmas?

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.