Ireland and the European Union have been consistent in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.
To date, EU Member States have agreed approximately €5.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to date, consisting of approximately €5.22 billion for lethal equipment and approximately €380 million for non-lethal equipment. In line with the Programme for Government, Ireland constructively abstains on all lethal equipment elements of the support packages.
Our full share of funding – approximately €122 million (to date) – is, therefore, directed exclusively toward non-lethal support. This is the basis on which Ireland’s involvement in the EPF was decided by the Government and agreed with and understood by our EU partners.
A proposal has been made for the establishment of a dedicated ‘Ukraine Assistance Fund’ under the EPF. This proposed envelope would cover lethal and non-lethal support as well as potentially some of the costs associated with the EU military assistance mission, EUMAM Ukraine. While the proposal remains under discussion among Member States, if agreed, it has the potential to significantly increase Ireland’s contribution to the European Peace Facility.
While I am supportive of the Ukraine Assistance Fund proposal, further discussion is required to agree the modalities of the proposal including the total funding amount proposed and clarity on the way ahead.
Ireland's contribution towards the common costs of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) totals €2.25 million. A further contribution by Ireland is likely before the end of the year.
Through their participation in EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have provided two modules of training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in Demining & Clearance (in Cyprus), two modules of Tactical Combat Casualty Care /Combat Life Saver (in Germany) and a module of Drill Instructor training (in Germany). The Defence Forces have this week delivered a module of Drill Instructor training to the UAF and plan to deliver a further iteration of Combat Life Saver before the end of the year (both in Germany). They have a draft programme of training to be provided up to March 2024 which is subject to regular updating.
In terms of practical aid provided, the Department of Defence has previously provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour, which were shipped from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine. I have also approved the donation by the Defence Forces of two DOK-ING Mine Clearance Systems (mine flails) to the UAF. It is currently foreseen that this donation as well as training on their use and maintenance will take place early in 2024.
