Micheál Martin in Kyiv for EU ministers’ meeting to discuss greater support for Ukraine

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Michéal Martin is in Kyiv on Monday to participate in an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv.

It is the first time such a meeting has been held outside the EU. European Commission vice-president Joseph Borell said Ukraine’s future belongs within the EU. He is also expected to announce the unblocking of €500 million of military aid to Ukraine which had been vetoed by Hungary.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Mr Martin said it was 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”.

Mr Martin will announce a further €23 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine from Ireland, bringing the total to €210 million since the Russian invasion began in February last year.

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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 Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will meet EU foreign ministers during the one-day visit.

[ Micheál Martin defends plan to help train Ukrainian troops ]

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.

“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,” he said.

“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,” Mr Martin said.

“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.”