Zelensky thanks Ireland for 36-million-euro funding package

KYIV: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said he wanted to “express his gratitude to Ireland” meeting Irish premier Simon Harris in Kyiv.

Mr Harris signed a co-operation deal with Mr Zelensky at the Ukrainian leader’s office at Horodetskyi House in the city. The Taoiseach also announced details of a 36-million-euro funding package to organisations working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

The visit comes a day after 53 people were killed and 200 injured when two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and hospital in Poltava, 200 miles south east of Kyiv. Elsewhere, children were among seven killed in an overnight strike on Lviv.

The attacks came as Ukrainian forces attempted to secure territory in Russia’s Kursk border region after a surprise incursion that began last month – and as the Russian army moves deeper into eastern Ukraine.

Mr Harris’ engagements on Wednesday saw him visit Hostomel and Borodyanka, two areas which had been badly damaged by Russian strikes in the early days of the invasion.He said: “I want to see first hand and with my own eyes the impact of war on the continent of Europe.” Mr Harris saw a prefabricated home, which is now occupied by a family that had previously been displaced, and a newly built kindergarten – both part of projects which Ireland financially supports.

The Irish Government said the 36 million euro package will provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine’s longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations.

The Taoiseach also expressed Ireland’s full support for the Ukrainian bid for EU membership while also discussing continued humanitarian assistance.Mr Harris also visited the Child Protection Centre in Kyiv prior to his meeting with Mr Zelensky, where Ireland supports work towards the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted into Belarus and Russia.

Following the bilateral meeting, Mr Zelensky told a press conference that he thanked Ireland for its support of work on returning abducted Ukrainian children to the country.“Ireland’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine will be a substantial support for our people and our countries and our European way of life.

“I thank the people of Ireland, I know that after the beginning of the invasion of Russia of our land, you’ve accepted and really have warmly welcomed more than 100,000 citizens of Ukraine.”

The deal includes common work on demining Ukraine, which Mr Zelensky said will save Ukrainians and improve the resilience of Europe. He added that the deal also includes common work on cyber security. Mr Zelensky said he also “really valued” that Mr Harris’ trip came amid severe attacks on Ukraine.

“We value that while Ireland is military neutral, Ireland does not stay neutral morally.“We are grateful to you, Mr Taoiseach, and to the people of Ireland for very specific and clear and principled support and a position countering Russian terror.”

Mr Zelensky thanked Ireland for financial support and said: “It is really important we are together protecting lives, especially now we need it facing the winter when Russia goes on striking our energy infrastructure.”Mr Harris, who earlier laid a wreath to honour Ukraine’s war dead at Maidan Square, told reporters: “The people of Ireland stand with the people of Ukraine.”