DUBLIN, Ireland - Following criticism of his wife Sabina for writing a letter about the conflict, President Michael D Higgins issued a statement reiterating his condemnation of the conflict in Ukraine.

Sabina Higgins was chastised over the weekend for a letter to the editor in which she slammed an Irish Times editorial published on 20 July, saying she was "disappointed" and "dismayed" that it did not "encourage any ceasefire negotiations that might lead to a peace settlement."

In a letter signed by Sabina Coyne Higgins, she stated that "the long haul of terrible war will continue" until the world persuades Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations.

A Ukrainian member of parliament called Ms. Higgins' call for a negotiated settlement to the war "uninformed" and "painful." At the same time, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland said she did not believe the letter represented the President of Ireland's official position.

A spokesperson for President Higgins said today, "The record shows President Higgins has been unequivocal in his condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine since his original statement on 1 March." He has repeatedly condemned Russia's illegal, immoral, and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. He has demanded that Russia withdraw immediately and that the violence cease."

Ms. Higgins' letter was reportedly published on the President's official website on Friday but was later removed.