From:Department of the Taoiseach

Thank you, President Zelenskyy for welcoming me back to Kyiv.

I’m here first and foremost to express the steadfast and unwavering solidarity of the EU, and of Ireland, with the government and people of Ukraine.

Our support for Ukraine is as strong as it has ever been and will continue to be for as long as it takes.

The defining theme of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union isNí neart go cur le chéile– strength with unity.

Nowhere is this more evident than in our commitment to Ukraine.

When Russia’s brutal and illegal full-scale invasion began, many believed Ukraine would fall within days.

Instead, Ukraine stood firm, and the world witnessed extraordinary courage.

President Zelenskyy, when others urged you to leave Kyiv, you chose to stay with your people.

That decision has become a symbol of leadership under fire.

We can only hope we are never tested in the way you have been. The way the Ukrainian people has and continues to be tested by Russia’s brutal war.

Ordinary Ukrainians with extraordinary resolve who continue to endure, to resist and to fight to defend your homes and your freedom. Strength through unity.

Today I have the opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives, those who bear the scars of this war, and the families who continue to carry its burden.

In our meeting today, we discussed the situation here in Ukraine – both on the front-line and across the country, as well as our work at EU level.

We also reviewed the ongoing cooperation between Ireland and Ukraine.

I also briefed the President on the findings of our investigation into Aughinish Alumina and the export of alumina to Russia.

All of this work is aimed at assisting Ukraine in your defence against Russian aggression, applying pressure on Russia to ends its war and achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

On the bilateral front, the President and I took stock of the implementation of the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland partnership, which we signed during the President’s historical visit to Ireland last year.

This partnership is not just about what practical support Ireland is providing to Ukraine but also about developing two-way cooperation, laying the groundwork for a strong and vibrant relationship that endures long into the future.

I was also pleased to inform President Zelenskyy that Ireland will contribute a further €125 million to Ukraine this year on a bilateral basis, in addition to the €65 million in support already announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs earlier this year.

€100 million of this funding will be directed towards meeting Ukraine’s defence needs.

This non-lethal military assistance builds on Irish support provided last year towards strengthening Ukraine’s air defences to defend against Russia’s brutal drone attacks.

The remaining €25 million will be directed to support the protection and restoration of Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.

Last winter was exceptionally difficult for the people of Ukraine and it is important that we help ensure Ukraine is well prepared for the winter ahead.

The Ukrainian people, through their brave and determined resistance to Russian aggression, have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to achieving EU membership.

To meet this ambition, Ukraine’s government and parliament is working to implement the necessary reforms, even in the face of inconceivable challenges. This is highly commendable.

Fifty years ago, Ireland benefitted from the EU’s very first enlargement.

We believe that all European countries that demonstrate a commitment to our values, and meet the criteria, should have the right to join the European Union and enjoy the same benefits that Ireland has over the last fifty years.

Supporting Ukraine and its candidacy is a central focus of our EU Presidency.

We made a good start last week by opening negotiations on a second cluster and we will work to open the remaining clusters as soon as possible.

It is of course essential that Ukraine pushes ahead with key reforms, including in the areas of rule of law and judicial reform, remaining steadfast to upholding fundamental values.

While not always easy, these reforms are investments in Ukraine’s democracy, as well as your long-term resilience and prosperity.

Ireland has always and will continue to support robust targeted sanctions against Russia, aimed at undermining its ability to wage war and to bring it to the negotiating table.

As Presidency holders, we worked hard to secure agreement on the 21st package of sanctions, adopted this week.

I hope that it will be possible to adopt further packages, and we will work with EU Member States and the Commission to achieve this.

Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and country, with Ireland hosting around 85,000 Ukrainians under Temporary Protection.

They have integrated into Irish society and are enriching our communities in many ways, as many more have also done across the European Union.

I have no doubt they will play an important role in rebuilding their country when it is safe to do so, should they choose to return.

Ireland will always stand by Ukraine and we will continue to push for a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine. As President Zelenskyy has made clear, no one wants peace more than Ukraine.

Through our Presidency of the EU we are working to match unity with strength.

We do this by offering unflinching support to the government and people of Ukraine.

By providing supports that gives Ukraine the means to defend itself.

By deterring Russia with sanctions and other measures.

And by advancing Ukraine’s membership of the European Union.

We do so as Ireland and we do so as Europe.