Irish people contradict neutrality stance of Government by backing funding of military aid to Ukraine

A serviceman of Ukraine's 24th Mechanised Brigade improves his tactical skills at a training field in the Donetsk region of Ukraine last month. Photo: Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukrainian 24th Mechanised Brigade via AP

Nearly two-thirds of Irish people agree to financing military equipment for Ukraine, an EU survey reveals.

The finding contrasts with the Government's position of only supplying non-lethal aid, in order to comply with Ireland's long-standing policy of military neutrality.

The high level of support in Ireland to finance the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine (64%) is higher than the EU average (58%). The survey was conducted by Eurobarometer, a European Commission body, between October 10 and November 3.

Irish respondents scored higher than the average in terms of supporting Ukraine across five questions.

They were asked if they agreed with the following actions the European Union has taken in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

• Providing humanitarian support to people affected by the war — 90% of Irish people agreed, compared to EU average of 87%;
• Imposing sanctions on Russian government, companies and individuals — 83% of Irish people agree, compared to EU average of 71%;
• Providing financial support to Ukraine — 80% of Irish agree, compared to EU average of 68%;
• Granting candidate status as potential member of EU to Ukraine — 73% of Irish people in favour, compared to EU average of 60%; 
• Financing the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine — 64% of Irish people agree, compared to EU average of 58% 

Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Irish Government has provided non-lethal military aid, which it said was in line with the policy of military neutrality, and would not fund the supply of lethal military equipment.

In the general election campaign, none of the political parties raised the possibility of sending military equipment to Ukraine and all maintained support for military neutrality.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

A recent report in the New York Times cited US military and intelligence officials as saying that the war in Ukraine was no longer a stalemate as Russia continued to make steady gains and that the Ukrainian military was struggling to recruit soldiers and equip new units.

Ukraine and EU leaders have also expressed grave concerns over the coming winter, with estimates that 70% of the country’s energy capacity has been destroyed by Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly raised the issue of needing more help from Europe on air defence to protect against Russian missiles and drones.