Press release
Tánaiste attending informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, is in Ukraine today (2 October) to participate in an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv.
EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to strengthen and advance the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in direct consultation with the Ukrainian government. It is expected that Foreign Minister Kuleba and Prime Minister Shmyhal will meet with EU Foreign Ministers during the one-day visit.
While in Kyiv, the Tánaiste will also have bilateral engagements with UN partners whose work in Ukraine Ireland is supporting, as well as members of the Irish community.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste said:
"It is a testament to the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people that now, over a year and a half since Russian troops tried and failed to capture this city, we are able to hold a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv.
"We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and the European Union is unwavering in our commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people as they defend their homeland.
"Our support for Ukraine is multifaceted and it is important we ensure that it continues to be relevant, flexible and fit for purpose. EU Member States will continue to take active measures to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine and I anticipate a wide-ranging, open exchange of views with our EU partners and Ukraine today on how best to do that.
"I was pleased to be able to recently announce a further €23 million in humanitarian and institutional support for Ukraine. This brings to €210 million our total support for Ukraine since the launch of the Russian invasion in February 2022. I am happy to have the opportunity today to meet with our partners here on the ground for an update on the important work they are doing and to meet the small Irish community here, all of whom are engaged in vital work supporting humanitarian, civilian security and rule of law programmes."