Minister Richmond visits Lviv, Ukraine
- Published on: 9 May 2025
- Last updated on: 9 May 2025
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, today (Friday 9 May) visited Lviv, Ukraine, to attend an informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and a ministerial meeting of the Core Group for the Establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Ministers received an update from Foreign Minister Sybiha on Ukraine’s priorities and needs. They also discussed ways in which the European Union can further strengthen its collective response, and ensure that Ukraine continues to get the support it needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ministers also paid tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine in a wreath-laying ceremony, and visited the “Superhumans Medical Centre” which specialises in the provision of prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and psychological supports to adults and children.
Minister Richmond then joined the Core Group in endorsing the draft legal instruments necessary for the establishment of a Special Tribunal. This is an important step towards establishing the Special Tribunal within the framework of the Council of Europe and ensuring that those responsible for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will face justice.
Speaking on arrival in Lviv, Minister Richmond said:
"Our collective visit to Lviv today sends a strong signal of solidarity, and confirms the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. As Russia continues with its attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and ports, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated outstanding courage, resolve and determination. We are here to honour their heroic efforts to defend their country and our shared fundamental values.
"Ireland stands in full solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their quest for accountability. This is an important step forward as States come together with the express intention of prosecuting those responsible for a specific act of aggression. It is fitting that we are gathered here in Lviv, a city whose storied history stands in the crucible of the development of international criminal law. By endorsing the creation of a Special Tribunal as a response to Russia’s war of aggression, we are collectively defending a world where law, not military might, is the final arbiter of what is just and right."
Notes
Photographs from Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond's visit to Ukraine will be available on the European Broadcasting Service (EBS) website.