Shay Brennan
Ceist:30. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussions on Ukraine at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs council. [69031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 1 October 2026
Ceisteanna (30, 32)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:32. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her Department's recent engagements with the Government of Ukraine in relation to the ongoing conflict. [69249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 32 together.
Ireland’s support to Ukraine is unwavering and remains a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels. This war and the threat posed by Russia is not only an existential issue for Ukraine but is a major challenge to the security of Europe.
During our EU Presidency, Ireland is working with our EU and international partners in support of Ukraine and efforts to secure a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.
We were honoured to host President Zelenskyy in Ireland on the first day of our Presidency. The Taoiseach visited Kyiv on 23 July to express Ireland’s continued support for Ukraine.
Russia’s aggression features prominently at each meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. Ukraine was a key focus of the first meeting of our Presidency on 13 July, including an event I co-hosted with the High Representative to focus on civilian detainees in Ukraine’s occupied territories.
During this event, EU foreign ministers held an informal exchange over breakfast with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, as well as representatives of two Ukrainian human rights organisations that focus on the issue.
The Council then discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, following an initial address by Minister Sybiha, who gave an overview of the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent needs.
The ensuing ministerial discussions focused on Ukraine's energy preparedness ahead of next winter – including urgent air defence support and support for the protection and repair of critical energy infrastructure – support for Ukraine and continued pressure on Russia.
The Council adopted restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees both in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine and in Russia.
On 2 September, Ukraine was a key focus of the Informal meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich) in Wicklow, which was joined by Foreign Minister Sybiha and also attended by Canada, UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. This meeting took a strategic view on the situation and the commitments necessary to provide Ukraine with the political, financial and military support that is needed.
As Presidency, we also continue to advance Ukraine's EU accession path to secure the opening of further clusters, building on the progress that we have achieved together to date.
And we will keep pressure on Russia. Further work on robust sanctions will continue to deny Moscow the revenue and the means to continue its illegal war.
On 22 September, the Irish Presidency secured the rollover of the Ukraine Territorial Integrity sanctions regime for an additional 36 months. This is an important regime which sanctions almost 3,000 individuals and entities who have supported Russia’s illegal aggression in Ukraine. This agreement will allow us to maintain pressure against Russia and continue to sanction those supporting the war effort.
The question of Ukraine was also a priority for Ireland's government representatives during UN High Level Week. In addition to forming part of general political engagement, Ireland participated in a number of events designed to highlight issues such as food security in the Black Sea and ensuring accountability for Ukraine.
Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 14.
Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 30.