Ireland announces fresh Ukraine funding as Taoiseach to meet Zelenskyy in Kyiv
The visit follows a day after at least 50 people were killed and 200 others injured after two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and nearby hospital in Poltava
Taoiseach Simon Harris is to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Wednesday, as Ireland prepares to announce millions in funding for Ukraine.
The visit follows a day after at least 50 people were killed and 200 others injured after two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and nearby hospital in Poltava, which is 200 miles south-east of Kyiv.
It is one of the deadliest Russian strikes since the war began.
The incident came as Ukrainian forces attempted to solidify holdings in Russia’s Kursk border region after a surprise incursion that began last month – and as the Russian army moves deeper into eastern Ukraine.
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Mr Harris and Mr Zelenskyy will sign a joint 'Agreement on Support and Cooperation' during a bilateral meeting in the Ukrainian capital.
In addition, the Taoiseach is to announce €43 million in aid to Ukraine, made up of a new allocation of €36 million to partner organisations through its development body Irish Aid – as well as €7 million to European Investment Bank projects which had been previously flagged.
The Taoiseach will also express Ireland’s full support for the Ukrainian bid towards EU membership while also discussing continued humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
During his time in Ukraine, the Irish leader will visit areas bombed by Russia during the course of the latest conflict.
Ireland is part of a global coalition working towards the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted into Belarus and Russia, and Mr Harris is scheduled to meet with several organisations working to help affected families.
He will also meet the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Harris said: "I am very pleased to be in Ukraine to hear at first hand from President Zelenskyy on the situation on the ground and to see for myself the impact it is having on the lives of ordinary Ukrainians."
Mr Harris added: "Russia’s missile strike and killing of scores of people in Poltava on Tuesday is a grim and horrific reminder of the threat Ukraine is facing every day. We express our outrage and sympathy to the families of those who have died."
Mr Harris said the joint agreement "makes it clear that Ukraine’s values are our values and we will stand with the brave people of Ukraine for as long as it takes".
The pair met in Shannon Airport in Ireland in July, where the prospect of the joint agreement was raised.
The countries identified demining, energy, humanitarian assistance and food security as areas of possible co operation.
At the time, Mr Zelenskyy thanked the people of Ireland for their support in hosting Ukrainian refugees, adding: “You were with us from the very beginning of the Russian invasion."
Mr Harris also announced the €7 million euro towards the European Investment Bank’s 'EU for Ukraine' fund, which addresses food and energy security needs, as well as support for refugees.
As part of a policy of military neutrality, Ireland does not provide what it characterises as lethal aid to Ukraine – including weapons.
However, Ireland has provided €250 million in non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility, and the country has welcomed more than 100,000 Ukrainians under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
Irish Defence Forces members have trained hundreds of Ukrainian personnel in demining, battlefield casualty care and the use of non-lethal mine clearance equipment.
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