Minister Byrne in Kyiv to meet members of Ukrainian Government

Minister Byrne today (Friday, 25 April) visited one of the sites of the recent rocket attacks launched by Russia on Kyiv.

Minister Byrne had the opportunity to offer his respects and condolences to President Zelensky on behalf of the Irish government and people, and laid a wreath at the site in memory of the victims.

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, undertook a series of high-level engagements in Kyiv, as part of his two-day visit to Ukraine.

Minister Byrne undertook a joint visit to Ukraine with his Lithuanian counterpart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sigitas Mitkus. The Minister’s visit underscores Ireland’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends against Russian aggression and makes progress towards EU membership.

Minister Byrne held a constructive bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice, Olha Stefanishyna, and the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Justice, Svitlana Tereshchenko.

The Ukrainian Government Ministers briefed Minister Byrne on the current state of play of Ukraine’s EU accession process and Ukraine’s expectations regarding next steps. In his meetings, Minister Byrne emphasised Ireland’s strong support for EU enlargement and commended Ukraine for its remarkable progress to date in its EU reform efforts, despite very challenging circumstances. Minister Byrne also reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to continue advocating at European level for progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path.Minister Byrne separately met with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yevhen Perebyinis, to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and a just and durable end to Russia’s war of aggression. The Ministers discussed the ways in which Ireland can further its support for Ukraine in follow-up to the Agreement on Support to Ukraine and on Cooperation between Ireland and Ukraine.

Minister Byrne also met with Ukrainian civil society organisations to hear their views and details of their important work on issues linked to Ukraine’s EU accession.

Speaking in Kyiv, Minister Byrne said: “This is an important visit for me, as it provides an opportunity to hear directly from the Ukrainian Government on how Ireland and the EU can support Ukraine, as they continue to defend their country and progress along their European path.

“Ireland and the EU remain in full solidarity with Ukraine. The targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure can never be justified. We need to see a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, which upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, based on the UN Charter and international law and provides the necessary security assurances, so we do not see a return to violence by Russia in the future. Together with our European partners, Ireland is working to support Ukraine’s ambition for a safe and prosperous future in the EU.”

ENDS

Press Office

25 April 2025