Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
223. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagement he has had with foreign ministers of other EU Member States with regard to collective support for Ukraine and its people in the onslaught of ongoing violence from Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15219/25]
View answerSince the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. I am committed to working with my EU partners in the period ahead to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself. This remains a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels.
Russian aggression against Ukraine features prominently on the monthly agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council, where EU Foreign Ministers are regularly joined by Foreign Minister Sybiha of Ukraine, to hear directly from him about the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most pressing needs. This is an important forum for discussion with my EU counterparts on what more the EU can do to ensure Ukraine gets the support it urgently needs to defend itself and to deter future Russian aggression.
This war, and the threat posed by Russia, is an existential issue for Ukraine, but also a major challenge to the security of Europe. The European Union has provided substantial political, humanitarian, economic and military support to Ukraine, to enable it to defend itself and, in doing so, to defend our shared fundamental values.
Ireland is playing its part. In recent weeks, I announced the allocation of €100 million to provide non-lethal military support to Ukraine. The support will be provided through partnerships with EU Member States already procuring from Ukraine and through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group Coalitions on De-mining and ICT. These mechanisms will ensure that Ireland’s support can reach Ukraine quickly, at a critical moment for the country.
An important long-term guarantee we can offer to Ukraine is membership of the European Union. The Ukrainian people have made clear their European choice and the Ukrainian government has demonstrated its commitment to the reform process. Ireland will continue to advocate at EU level for progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path.
