Ukraine, Ireland sign bilateral security agreement

The Office of the President of Ukraine reported this.

It is noted that in 2024, Ireland has pledged to provide Ukraine with €128 million in non-lethal military support and at least €40 million in humanitarian aid. At the same time, since the start of the full-scale war, Dublin has allocated about €380 million for humanitarian, stabilization and non-lethal military support to Kyiv. 

According to the agreement, Ireland will provide demining systems and equipment for the disposal of explosive ordnance, and will continue its participation in the demining coalition.

‘In addition, the country will explore other potential ways to support the capabilities of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group within the coalitions, such as the IT coalition,’ the statement added.

Dublin, through the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) in Ukraine, will provide ongoing training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, engage in diplomatic efforts to implement the Peace Formula, and actively participate in various working groups and the implementation of specific elements of the formula, particularly in the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. 

‘Separate blocks of the agreement outline humanitarian assistance, as well as support for recovery and implementation of reforms, in particular on Ukraine's path to EU membership. Ireland will contribute to bringing Russia to justice, compensating for the damage caused by the aggression and further strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia,’ the presidential office stressed.

Earlier during the day RTE reported that Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris arrived on an official visit to Ukraine.

"Simon Harris arrived in Kyiv region this morning. He will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later today and officials from humanitarian aid organizations," the statement says.

The RTE journalist also posted a video of the politician's arrival at Kyiv's railway station.

Zelenskyy and Harris will discuss Russia's war against Ukraine, the European Union's support, and Kyiv's application to join the EU.

The Irish prime minister's visit comes after Russia's September 3 missile strike on Poltava, which killed at least 51 people.

"Russia's military strike and the killing of dozens of people in Poltava on Tuesday is a horrific reminder of the threat Ukraine faces every day. We express our outrage and condolences to the families of the victims," Harris said before his visit to Ukraine.

Today, Harris and Zelenskyy are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on a new bilateral agreement between Ireland and Ukraine.

Harris noted that the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Ukraine "makes it clear that Ukraine's values are our values and we will support the brave people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

In addition, RTE reports that the Irish official will announce a new €36 million funding package from Irish Aid for partner organizations.

The prime minister will also meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal, as well as representatives of humanitarian agencies, to discuss the return of illegally displaced Ukrainian children from Russia and Belarus.

• On July 13, President Zelenskyy met with Irish Prime Minister Harris. They discussed cooperation in a number of areas, as well as increased attention to the problem of children deported by Russia.