Ukrainian individuals seeking refuge as a result of the nation’s conflict with Russia can always find a safe haven in Ireland, according to Taoiseach Simon Harris. In a joint media address in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, he stressed the global community must refrain from accepting Ukraine’s war and its ensuing harshness as commonplace.
During their Wednesday discussions, both leaders deliberated on enhancing the existing sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations, as well as Ukraine’s prospects of joining the EU. President Zelenskiy pointed out that Russia is employing different tactics to bypass current sanctions instituted as a response to its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Ukrainian leader expressed hope that Ireland might extend significant assistance in rebuilding Ukraine.
President Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude towards Ireland for its warm reception of over 100,000 displaced Ukrainians since the outset of the conflict. The dialogue between the leaders took place during a period of intensifying assaults on numerous Ukrainian cities and ongoing advancements by Russian soldiers in the eastern regions of the country.
The protracted conflict waged by Russia in Ukraine is causing extensive suffering and cruelty, Taoiseach Harris stated. He mentioned that an overnight drone attack in Lviv tragically killed three children, probably asleep at the time.
On multiple occasions, President Zelenskiy has called upon Western allies for additional Patriot air defence systems and the green light to use donated long-range missiles against military locations deep in Russia.
Taoiseach Harris specified that Ireland will continue to extend non-lethal aid to Ukraine. For him, questions over the use of missiles provided by allies to target Russian installations are a matter for the countries supplying them.
Currently, Ukraine has been authorised to attack targets near its border within Russia. The possible relaxation of these constraints relies on the nations supplying the weaponry, as confirmed by Mr Zelenskiy. Notably, these countries include the US, the UK, France and Germany. This permission to be aggressive towards targets was a requirement to repel Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, as stated by Zelenskiy. This would further empower Ukraine to protect its civilians during a period of daily loss of lives.
Mr Zelenskiy mentioned that the reduction in welfare benefits for Ukrainian refugees by Ireland would be a topic of discussion in the meeting with Denys Shmyhal, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, scheduled on Wednesday by Mr Harris.
The leader of Fine Gael emphasised that the provided financial aids would always be scrutinised to ensure the sustainability of the system. He confirmed Ireland’s continued firm stand on supporting Ukraine’s aspiration to join the EU, a proposition that started years ago and has quickened since Russia’s incursion.
On the question of a potential visa program for Ukrainian citizens after the war, facilitating their journey to seek employment in the State, Harris voiced his opinion that it would be unnecessary. Harris believes if Ukraine successfully joins the EU, its citizens will enjoy freedom of movement within the bloc.
Harris had also made a visit to Borodyanka, a residential district outside Kyiv heavily damaged by bomb attacks in the early phase of the war, earlier on Wednesday. His journey continued to Hostomel, where he met a couple whose house was destroyed in the bombing. The couple has since relocated to a modular prefab home positioned on the former site.