Press release
Taoiseach Simon Harris in Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Taoiseach Simon Harris is in Kyiv today (Wednesday) for a bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
They will discuss Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, EU support for Ukraine and its path towards EU membership, as well as bilateral links and Ireland’s bilateral assistance in support of Ukraine.
Simon Harris and Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also sign an Agreement on Support and Cooperation between Ireland and Ukraine.
The Taoiseach will also visit areas bombed and maimed by Russia’s invasion and meet with a number of international bodies and charities working to help displaced, injured, bereaved and traumatised Ukrainian citizens.
Simon Harris will have a number of meetings on the issue of the return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia taken to Belarus and Russia.
The Taoiseach will also meet the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
“I am very pleased to be in Ukraine to hear at first hand from President Zelenskyy on the situation on the ground and to see for myself the impact is having on the lives of ordinary Ukrainians.
“Russia’s missile strike and killing of scores of people in Poltava on Tuesday is a grim and horrific reminder of the threat Ukraine is facing every day. We express our outrage and sympathy to the families of those who have died.''
Commenting on the visit the Taoiseach added,
“With President Zelenskyy, I will sign an Agreement on Support and Cooperation between Ireland and Ukraine. This makes it clear that Ukraine’s values are our values and we will stand with the brave people of Ukraine for as long as it takes”.