Minister McEntee expresses Ireland’s solidarity with Ukraine in Kyiv

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, is in Kyiv today (1 April), where she will meet political leaders.

During the visit, Minister McEntee will hold the second Ireland-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha. She will also officially open the new Irish Embassy in Kyiv and visit a project funded by Irish Aid at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Speaking in Kyiv, Minister McEntee said: “I am in Ukraine to show Ireland’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people and government in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.

“Yesterday in Bucha, I witnessed the legacy of atrocities carried out against innocent civilians, lives brutally taken, families torn apart and communities devastated. It was a stark and harrowing reminder of the brutal actions of Russia and the real cost of this war.

“Ireland stands in solidarity with the victims, and we are clear: Russia must be held fully accountable.

“We were honoured to welcome President Zelenskyy to Ireland in December, and I reaffirm today that Ireland stands firmly with Ukraine. We support a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, one that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and ensures such devastation can never happen again.”

Looking ahead to Ireland’s EU Presidency later this year, Minister McEntee said: “Supporting Ukraine will be a central priority during Ireland’s EU Presidency later this year.

“We will continue to back strong and targeted sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal war, support Ukraine’s path to EU membership, and ensure it has sustained financial support, including to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing illegal aggression.”

On the second Ireland–Ukraine Strategic Dialogue, the Minister said: “Today’s Strategic Dialogue with Minister Sybiha is an important opportunity to deepen cooperation between Ireland and Ukraine. We will discuss ongoing support and look ahead to shared priorities as we strengthen our partnership.

“The relationship between our two countries is already strong, and I am confident it will continue to grow across economic, cultural and people-to-people ties — for the benefit of both nations in the years ahead.”