Statement by the Tánaiste on Ukraine

As we begin 2025, the people of Ukraine are suffering through their third winter of Russia’s brutal invasion.

Millions have been forced to flee their homeland, and millions more are internally displaced. As temperatures plummet, Russia continues to cynically target civilians and civilian infrastructure, including abhorrent bombings of Ukraine’s energy grid on Christmas Day. These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.

We have heard horrific reports of human rights abuses carried out by Russia, including the large-scale forced deportation and imprisonment of civilians, mistreatment of prisoners of war, and repression in the partially occupied territories of Ukraine.

It is imperative that we continue to stand firm in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, and support Ukraine in whatever way we can: bilaterally, at EU level and in international fora.

In 2024, Ireland committed a further €36 million in bilateral support for Ukraine. This funding will provide essential humanitarian assistance and support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, while contributing to Ukraine's longer term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations. Ireland has continued to fund shelter, cash assistance and other winterisation activities, as well as wider humanitarian support. As many have been displaced, Ireland has responded to this challenge by welcoming Ukrainians to our country. We have also continued to support Ukraine as it progresses along its European path.

In September, Ireland and Ukraine signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement on support and cooperation. This new Agreement is a political and practical declaration of Ireland’s support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It sends a clear signal that we will not waver in the face of the ongoing brutal aggression in Ukraine and signifies Ireland’s determination to defend the fundamental principles that are the foundation of a rules-based international order.

Although peace might seem a distant prospect today, we must continue to work with our EU and international partners to build global support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Facing into 2025, it is important that we recall that through the defence of their nation, Ukrainians also defend our fundamental European and universal freedoms: the rights of all people to live peacefully, within their own borders, without fear of being attacked. If Russia is allowed to prevail, we will all bear the consequences. Russia’s actions represent a threat to our collective European security and the values which have always underpinned Irish and EU foreign policy.

That is why Ireland will continue to stand with Ukraine. Now, and in the future.