Ireland’s international response to the war in Ukraine

Ireland has consistently supported action at an EU and UN level to call for an end to Russia’s unjustified war on Ukraine. We continue to use our voice on the international stage to demand an end to Russia’s invasion.

As part of the EU, we are providing Ukraine with humanitarian, political, financial and non-lethal material assistance. With active Irish support, the EU has initiated the largest ever package of sanctions against the Russian leadership.

Ireland has also been to the forefront of EU member states in supporting Ukraine’s candidacy for EU membership. We warmly welcome the 23 June decision of the European Council to grant Ukraine candidate status. This decision provided a clear signal of hope to the people and Government of Ukraine about their place in the European family.

Ireland supported the expulsion of Russia from the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. As the current Presidency, Ireland has worked on the Ukraine Action Plan to assist rebuilding work in Ukraine. Ireland has also made a €1 million contribution to a specially established Ukraine Donor Fund in the Council of Europe’s Development Bank.

In The Hague, we have also joined with other countries to call for an investigation by the International Criminal Court into crimes committed during the invasion.

Ireland is also making its voice heard at the UN. Ireland sponsored a resolution at the General Assembly calling for an immediate Russian withdrawal and an end to hostilities. We also sponsored a resolution on the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s invasion, demanding protection for civilians, journalists and vulnerable people, including women and children.

Ireland is using its seat on the UN Security Council to directly and consistently call on Russia to end its invasion and withdraw its forces. Ireland’s latest statements at the UN Security Council can be accessed here: Ireland at the UN - Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.ie).

Ireland will continue to use its position and voice in international forums to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to live in peace.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked a major humanitarian emergency. The UN estimates that approximately 15.7 million Ukrainians - nearly half of the population - are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Ireland was among the first to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, with An Taoiseach announcing a significant Irish Aid package on the first day of the invasion that has since increased to €20 million. This comprehensive package is funding the UN Appeal and the Red Cross movement. €1 million has been earmarked for UNHCR’s response in Poland and Moldova respectively. €2 million is supporting the response of Irish-based NGOs in partnership with local civil society.

Ireland also contributes to the crisis in Ukraine through our core and flexible funding to key humanitarian partners and joint mechanisms such as WHO, UNICEF, ICRC, IFRC, WFP and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). To date, the CERF has allocated €55 million to Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Ireland is the 9th largest donor to the CERF this year.

Ireland has provided in-kind medical assistance and supplies to Ukraine, including ambulances, valued at over €4.3 million, through partnership between government departments, HSE and other agencies, working with private sector and civil society partners.

Finally, Ireland has activated its Rapid Response Corps with rapid responders now deployed with UN agencies in the region to respond to the crisis. Irish experts are also working on the ground with the EU’s civilian CSDP mission in Ukraine.