Micheál Martin in Kyiv for extraordinary EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting

At the meeting, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to strengthen and advance the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Michael Martin visited the Borodyanka area of Kyiv during a visit to Ukrainian capital last July. File Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin will attend an extraordinary meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv today. 

EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to strengthen and advance the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal will meet with EU officials during the one-day visit.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said the Tánaiste will also have bilateral engagements with UN partners whose work in Ukraine Ireland is supporting, as well as members of the Irish community.

“It is a testament to the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people that now, over a year and a half since Russian troops tried and failed to capture this city, we are able to hold a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv," Mr Martin said.

We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and the European Union is unwavering in our commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people as they defend their homeland.

The Tánaiste said it is important that EU support for Ukraine continues to be "relevant, flexible and fit for purpose". 

"EU Member States will continue to take active measures to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine and I anticipate a wide-ranging, open exchange of views with our EU partners and Ukraine today on how best to do that."

Mr Martin said that, following the recent announcement of a further €23 million in humanitarian and institutional support for Ukraine, Ireland had provided €210 million in support for Ukraine since the launch of the Russian invasion in February 2022. 

"I am happy to have the opportunity today to meet with our partners here on the ground for an update on the important work they are doing and to meet the small Irish community here, all of whom are engaged in vital work supporting humanitarian, civilian security and rule of law programmes," he added. 

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. File Picture: AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Ukrainian Foreign Minister said that the fact the EU meeting was taking place in the Ukrainian capital was "a message in itself" arguing it was proof of Ukraine’s gradual accession to the EU. 

"The message is that Ukraine is becoming a member of the European Union, the process is taking place right as we speak and hold these meetings," he said.