The Republic will provide an additional €40 million in aid to Ukraine this year, the Government has announced.
This humanitarian and long-term development assistance is in addition to the €25 million already earmarked in February to help repair Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.
It brings the State’s total contribution this year to €65 million.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee announced the funding on Wednesday during an official visit to Ukraine.
During the trip, she met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who said he raised the prospect of progressing a path towards European accession with her in advance of the State’s EU presidency.
He said it is “important” that the process “starts to work” for countries that fulfil their obligations.
“In all dimensions, Europe must be protected, and Ukrainian expertise can make a significant contribution to security. I thank Ireland for all its support – military, humanitarian, and energy-related,” he said.
Russia invaded Ukraine at the start of 2022. Since then, thousands of civilians have been killed, alongside tens of thousands of military personnel.
“More than four years into the war, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains severe. Around 11 million people are expected to require assistance in 2026, including almost four million who have been displaced from their homes,” said a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman.
“Ireland’s funding will provide emergency shelter, medical care, maternal healthcare and essential supports to those most affected, particularly people in frontline areas and children.
“The €40 million announced today includes over €26 million in humanitarian assistance and almost €14 million in long-term development and peacebuilding support. A total of €2 million of the funding package will be allocated to Moldova to respond to challenges relating to the war in Ukraine,” said the department.
Announcing the funding, McEntee said the “scale of need” in Ukraine is stark.
“This is Ireland’s largest funding package for the people of Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began and it reflects our unwavering support,” said McEntee.