Speech by Minister Byrne at St. Patrick’s Day Reception, Kyiv – 16 March 2026

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Vitayu,

A dhaoine uaisle,

Is mór an onóir dom a bheith anseo libh i gKyiv ag ceiliuradh Lá Fhéile Pádraig.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very glad to be back in Kyiv today, and take this opportunity to mark St Patrick’s Day, alongside you all.

At the outset, I want to thank Ambassador Jonathan Conlon and his terrific team at the Embassy, for organising today’s event, and to thank everyone in this room and beyond, who helped to make today’s special event happen.

As Ambassador Conlon has said, this is the first official St Patrick’s Day reception in Ukraine, since we opened our Embassy in 2021.

I very much wanted to be here today, in Kyiv, to mark this occasion with you.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland celebrates its own culture and history, but also, our friendships with other nations.

And Ireland’s partnership with Ukraine has never been stronger.

In December, President Zelenskyy made the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian President, since our two countries established diplomatic relations, in 1991.

President Zelenskyy and First Lady Zelenska were greeted with genuine warmth and affection throughout that historic visit.

The warm welcome they received in Ireland reflected the deep respect, and admiration, that the Irish people have for Ukrainians, and for your struggle to defend the values that we share —freedom, democracy, and the right to self-determination and sovereignty.

During President Zelenskyy’s visit, we signed a 2030 Roadmap on the Ireland-Ukraine Partnership, an important agreement that will help further strengthen our relationship.

Since the start of Russia’s brutal and illegal full-scale invasion, Ireland has stood steadfast in solidarity, with Ukraine.

And I am proud to stand here today with you and confirm that Ireland’s commitment to Ukraine remains unwavering.

We believe in Ukraine.

Ireland supports the ongoing efforts of the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and achieve a just and lasting peace, and security for Ukraine.

We will continue to support these efforts as part of the EU, and through our membership, of the Coalition of the Willing.

Ireland is providing humanitarian and development aid.

Most recently, we contributed €27 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, to support Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure through a very difficult winter, and in the face of horrendous attacks.

We are also providing non-lethal military aid – including over €200 million in bilateral military support in 2025 – with a focus on strengthening Ukraine’s air defences.

We are working to ensure justice and accountability.

We are committed to securing the return of abducted Ukrainian children.

We are supporting robust targeted sanctions, in order to keep up the pressure on Russia.

And, Irish companies like CRH and Kingspan – represented here today – are investing significantly in Ukraine, because they recognise the enormous potential of this country.

So do Diageo, also here today.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I believe there is a better future for Ukraine, alongside Ireland, in the European Union.

Later this year, Ireland will take up the EU Presidency, for the eighth time.

Ireland is fortunate to be at the heart of the EU, an unprecedented peace project, a vibrant market of more than 450 million people, and a catalyst for positive social change and inclusion.

Over more than 50 years of membership, the EU has been central to peace and prosperity on our own island.

Even after all this time, 82 percent of Irish people continue to support Ireland’s membership of the EU, according to the latest polling.

Ireland has always played an active role in shaping the EU and we continue to do so today.

Europe is changing and we are part of the change.

Our commitment to Ukraine will underpin our work during our EU Presidency.

Ukraine’s destiny lies in the European Union. Ukrainians belong in the EU.

As European Affairs Minister and incoming chair of the General Affairs Council, I can assure you that I will do whatever I can, during our EU Presidency, to move the accession process forward.

Earlier today, during my meetings with senior figures in Kyiv, I gave this assurance, on behalf of the Government of Ireland.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the spring, a time of recovery and rejuvenation.

I know that the spring could not come too soon for the people of this great city.

Russia’s actions during the winter that you have just endured will live in infamy.

And never again, should you have to face another winter like it.

We did not need any further evidence of Putin’s indifference to international law, and his contempt, for human dignity.

But, his targeting of heating and power plants, at a time when temperatures had fallen below minus 20 degrees celsius, is simply unconscionable.

If there is to be any kind of just peace, those responsible for Russia’s barbarous crimes must be held accountable, however long it takes.

My friends,

Many of the traditions that we associate with St Patrick’s Day have their origins in Irish emigrant communities around the world.

Irish people who had emigrated to escape famine, poverty and conflict came together on St Patrick’s Day, to reaffirm and celebrate their identity and culture.

Today, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have found refuge in Ireland.

They have been welcomed into our homes and communities, and they are making a deeply valued contribution to our society.

I know they will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow, in towns and villages across Ireland, alongside their Irish friends and neighbours.

The ties between our peoples have been never been stronger.

I know there are people in this room tonight —Ukrainian, Irish, and of many other nationalities — who are doing critically important work to support this great country, and its people.

There is an Irish saying:

'Ní neart go cur le chéile' — ‘There is no strength without unity’.

If we continue to work together, I believe that we can celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Kyiv next year in much happier, and more peaceful, circumstances.

Go dtí sin, Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh.

Shchyro dyakuyu!