Sinn Féin have voted against a key European proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund much-needed support for Ukraine, a Fine Gael MEP has said.
MEP Maria Walsh voted in favour of the proposal in Strasbourg today which would unlock financing of more than €170 billion for the Ukrainian resistance against Russia. 416 MEPs voted in favour, 140 voted against, while 48 abstained.
Sinn Féin MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Lynn Boylan, along with Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, voted against using frozen Russian assets as a source of funding for Ukrainian grants and loans.
Maria Walsh MEP said:
“Today’s vote has ensured that Sinn Féin’s shameful voting record on Russia continues. Once again, their MEPs have voted against supporting Ukraine – highlighting their implicit support for Russia and the abhorrent actions of Vladimir Putin.
“Sinn Féin is now voting in line with Viktor Orbán and his far-right Hungarian government, who block support for Ukraine at every possible opportunity.
“After three and a half years, how do they expect Ukraine to defend its sovereign land without financial support? Willing Russia to go away won’t save lives or protect territory for the Ukrainian people.
“Today’s vote also raises questions for Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly given Sinn Féin’s support of her campaign. Does she agree with her backers’ position on this key vote? Does she believe the EU should support Ukraine in its fight against Russia? Given the President’s role in representing the people of Ireland on the global stage, the public deserves to know exactly where Catherine Connolly stands on this issue of great geopolitical importance.”