Ireland must declare Russia a terrorist state, says Fine Gael TD

Ireland must declare Russia a terrorist state, a Fine Gael TD has said.

The party's spokesperson on European Affairs, Neale Richmond, said the continued "senseless" airstrikes and war crimes being carried out by Putin's nation in Ukraine mean our country should take the drastic step.

He added that Estonia had put forward a similar motion in its parliament already, while nearby Latvia had declared Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.

Read More: TD calls for Russian Ambassador to be booted out of Ireland after Putin's latest comments

Dublin Rathdown deputy Richmond said: “Over the last eight months the world has witnessed atrocities not seen in generations in Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine.

“We can no longer ignore the realities of this situation – Vladimir Putin is leading a terrorist regime in Russia and the international community must recognise it as such.

“This week we have seen brutal attacks on Kyiv hitting playgrounds, residential areas, commuter traffic and universities.

Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

“Ireland must follow the example of Estonia who have tabled a motion in their parliament to declare Russia a terrorist regime, as well as Latvia who have declared Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.

“Since February, there have been multiple reports of war crimes carried out by Russian soldiers; from rape and torture, to looting and senseless violence.

“Ireland’s humanitarian response to the brutal war in Ukraine has been fulsome but we cannot let it stop here.

“What more do we need to see before we can label Russia a terrorist state, something it so clearly is?

“The people of Ukraine are depending on the international community to take these bold and brave steps to highlight the atrocities they are experiencing. After what they have been through, they deserve nothing less.

“Work must begin immediately to have Russia declared a terrorist state by Ireland”, Deputy Richmond concluded.

READ NEXT:

• Timeline of Creeslough tragedy - response, cause and funeral details as community comes to terms with devastating loss

• Jet stream heading for Ireland to 'fire up storms' in Atlantic as some areas to see 'months worth of rain'

• Chicken, beer and yoghurt in full list of food recalled by Tesco, Dunnes, Lidl and more Irish shops

• Why is there condensation on my window and how can I stop it forming?

• Met Eireann forecasts brutal week ahead as 'turocharged' jetstream hits

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter