Peace and Neutrality Alliance – PANA
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Press Statement
14 August 2025
Response to Taoiseach’s “Coalition of the Willing” Statement
The Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA) wishes to express our complete opposition to Irish government participation in the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” regarding the Russia/Ukraine war. This follows a statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. in which he described himself as among the “leaders” of this so-called Coalition, and stated that he had committed to provide continued military support to Ukraine.
In PANA’s view, Irish governments have crossed virtually every red line since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. These have already included providing training to Ukraine’s Army in use of lethal force against Russian soldiers; allowing transit of weapons to Ukraine through Shannon Airport; and (in the case of government MEPs) voting to support long-range missile strikes inside Russian territory.
According to PANA Chairman Stephen Kelly,
“The expression ‘Coalition of the Willing’ dates back to the illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003. This was based on the pretext that Iraq possessed hidden stocks of chemical/biological weapons and was developing nuclear weapons. These claims were lies. The United Nations rightly refused to endorse the invasion, meaning that thankfully our Defence Forces could not participate, under the Triple Lock.
Using this expression while condemning the illegallity of Russia’s war suggests that Western leaders have failed to heed the lessons of the Iraq catastrophe. International law cannot work as it should if it only applies to one side. International law is universal and must be followed by all, whether Russia, Israel, the United States, or anyone else.”
Russian Ambassador Yuri Filatov has already warned that Moscow would not regard Ireland as neutral if we proceeded to participate in EU training of Ukrainian soldiers. Aligning Ireland with the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” is a further reckless step placing us in Russia’s crosshairs, contrary to the interests of the Irish people. Ironically, it means that Ireland, although not a member of NATO, is now aligning itself with NATO’s more hardline members, against the US.
PANA urges a review of the Government’s position and withdrawal from any future involvement in the “Coalition of the Willing”. We would also take the opportunity to reiterate our opposition to moves underway to repeal the Triple Lock. It has been suggested previously that the “Coalition of the Willing” could deploy troops to Ukraine, and in this context the Taoiseach’s latest move underscores the need for appropriate checks and balances against unilateral Government action in this area.
From: Philip O’Connor <philip.aubane@hotmail.com>
Subject: PANA statement on M. Martin signing Ireland up to Sir Keir’s “Coalition of the Willing”
Date: 19 August 2025 at 00:09:24 BST
To: ‘Richard Jones’ via AubaneG <aubaneg@googlegroups.com>
Irish Political Review 