Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is to pledge continued Irish support for Ukraine’s military operations during her two-day visit to the country, her department has confirmed.
Writing in a press release ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv on March 31, McEntee emphasised Ireland would continue to provide for Ukraine’s armed forces in “non-lethal military areas”.
She added that the country’s conflict with Russia would be a priority for Ireland’s forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Russia has the power to end this conflict, but instead of engaging in meaningful negotiations, it continues attacks on towns and energy infrastructure. Ireland stands firmly with the people of Ukraine,” the minister said.
“As Ireland prepares for its upcoming EU Presidency, I will highlight our continued support for Ukraine across political, financial, humanitarian, and non-lethal military areas. I will also reaffirm Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership.”
McEntee is scheduled to meet with both senior EU and Ukrainian officials on March 31 as part of an informal meeting of European defence ministers in the country. The meetings are being held to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Ukrainian recapture of the city of Bucha from Russian forces.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also confirmed that European support for Ukraine will be a key part of Ireland’s upcoming presidency, stating in a press release that his March 31 meetings with senior Finnish and Polish officials will focus on the topic.
“I will reiterate Ireland’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its people in the face of continuing barbaric attacks by Russia,” he said.
“Both Finland and Poland have been resolute in their support for Ukraine and in responding to the threat from Russia. We will also discuss the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including impacts on the cost of energy which is of concern to families and businesses right across Europe.”
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, insisted that the city was also the location of a number of Russian war crimes, and that the EU would force accountability onto those found responsible.
“What happened here cannot be denied. The EU is committed to ensuring that these crimes do not go unpunished, including by supporting the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression,” Kallas, who will be chairing the meetings in Kyiv, wrote on social media.
“Russia must be held accountable for what it has done to Ukraine.”
The Commission has also announced that €1.5bn will be made available for a work programme supporting the European arms industry, billing the decision as a way of bolstering Ukraine’s defence.