"Today, Tuesday November 19th 2024, marks 1,000 days of Russia’s horrific war against our friends in Ukraine. The destruction and loss of life inflicted by Russia is devastating.

"It is the worst loss of life in Europe since World War II - a truly grim milestone.

"Ukraine is a beautiful country - its proud citizens live for family, friends, community, work, culture, laughter and their great nation.

"Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion and bombardment of Ukraine is an affront to international law, an affront to humanity and an affront to all that is decent.

"The human toll is heart shattering. While the true numbers are impossible to calculate, it is estimated that more than 12,000 civilians have died, 25,000 have been maimed, 4 million have been displaced internally and 6 million have been displaced across Europe, including Ireland.

"We will protect them. Ireland will continue to strongly support Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.

"Ireland will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The EU will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. To do anything less would be to accept the victory of a tyrant over a modern European democracy.

"To our friends in Ukraine, stay strong.

"Slava Ukraini!"