Tánaiste and Minister Richmond announce over €35m in support for Ukraine

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, and the Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, have announced additional funding of €35.4m to support people in Ukraine.

The announcement comes ahead of a meeting between the Tánaiste and Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, at UN High Level Week in New York on Tuesday.

The funding will support a range of humanitarian programmes in Ukraine and the region, including those run by UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Funding of €1m has been ring-fenced to support the World Food Programme’s school feeding programme. Working with the World Food Programme, Ireland will support the provision of school meals to 250,000 young people attending schools in areas close to the frontline of fighting.

The funding will also support programmes run by partners including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

The Tánaiste said: “Marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations is an opportunity to remember the importance of the international community standing together to stop wars, protect civilians and uphold international law. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine stands in complete violation of these principles. The funding I am announcing today is a further demonstration of Ireland’s support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against this brutal invasion.”

Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, said: “Ireland has stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion. Our message at High Level Week is clear: Russia must cease its aggression and Ukraine must be provided with strong and enduring guarantees for its future security.

“High-Level Week provides opportunities to reiterate the global consequences of Russia’s aggression to the wider UN membership, and to build further support among global partners to increase pressure on Russia to halt its criminal attacks.”

Today’s funding package includes €23.5 million to respond to humanitarian needs in Ukraine, and the impact of the crisis on the region, including support to the vital work of UN agencies (including OCHA, UNHCR, and UNICEF), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who support the work of the Ukraine Red Cross Society. A further €2m will be provided to UNICEF and World Bank programmes in Moldova.

Just under €9m in stabilisation and peace supports will be delivered in Ukraine through a range of partners, among whom are the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, UCD One Health, and in partnership with Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia.

ENDS

Press Office

23 September 2025