Ukraine visit undertaken by Minister Thomas Byrne - 24 April 2025

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today (Thursday, 24 April) visited Odesa, Ukraine, to open an underground school shelter co-funded by Ireland, Lithuania and the European Commission.

Minister Byrne undertook a joint visit to Odesa with his Lithuanian counterpart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sigitas Mitkus.

Ireland last year joined Lithuania and the European Commission in responding to the need identified by the Ukrainian Government, for the construction and equipping of six underground school shelters across Ukraine.

The project addresses the immediate protection needs of children and teachers, and enables continuity of education and learning, notwithstanding Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The underground shelter opened by Minister Byrne is the first completed shelter to support the people of Odesa.

Speaking in Odesa, Minister Byrne said: “As I arrive in Ukraine, I want to condemn Russia’s latest missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and other cities. The deliberate targeting of civilians is reprehensible. Ireland will continue to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

My visit to Ukraine is a reflection of the Irish Government’s steadfast support. As we have seen yet again overnight, Russia’s appalling aggression has had a particularly severe impact on Ukrainian children and that is why Ireland is proud to join, with Lithuania and the European Commission, in supporting the people of this region with this new school underground shelter.

“It is an outrage that we need to build underground shelters for school children in Ukraine. But these shelters have become a necessity, as a direct result of Russia’s illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion.

“The right to an education is something which we in Ireland very much cherish. Our progress as a nation stems from our want for education and its enjoyment. But it is only when a child feels safe, that their mind is free to learn and absorb, the teachings on offer to them.”

ENDS

Press Office

24 April 2025