Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
16. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on his Department’s engagement with Ukrainian counterparts in the context of the ongoing war with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3164/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI maintain regular contact with the Ukrainian Government, both through the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Ireland's Ambassador to Ukraine, as well as directly with my Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Kuleba.
Foreign Minister Kuleba joined the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 January, via video call, providing us with an update on the situation on the ground and on Ukrainian needs. I also participated in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv on 2 October, where EU Foreign Ministers discussed how to strengthen the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in direct consultation with the Ukrainian government.
My officials maintain regular contact with Ambassador Gerasko and her team in Ireland on a range of bilateral issues. Last week, they met to discuss a number of areas where we might be able to deepen our existing cooperation.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Ukraine, along with her dedicated team in Kyiv, are also working hard in challenging conditions on the ground to strengthen bilateral ties and ensure that Ireland continues to play a role in ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary political and humanitarian support it requires.
Ireland is engaging with Ukraine in support of President Zelenskyy’s ten-point Peace Formula. Ireland has to date participated in three working groups on the plan, and has recently attended meetings on preventing escalation and confirmation of the end of the war. Irish officials, along with a of number representatives of the Ukrainian Government, participated in the most recent meeting on the Peace Formula in the format of National Security Advisors in Davos on 14 January.
My Department remains committed to working closely with Ukrainian counterparts to ensure Ukraine gets the support it urgently needs to continue to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression, and to support it on its European path.
