Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris is set to present a proposal to Cabinet on Tuesday for an additional €100 million in financial assistance to Ukraine.
Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week programme, Mr. Harris explained that the funding would go towards non-lethal military support, including military vehicles, demining operations, and cyber protection measures.
“This will involve providing funding for armoured vehicles to assist in demining, as well as other non-lethal military equipment,” he said.
The Tánaiste also highlighted Ireland’s role in a wider European Union support package, which will be discussed at an upcoming European Council meeting. Ireland is expected to contribute 2% of whatever total funding is agreed upon—meaning a €2 billion package would see Ireland provide €400 million.
Mr. Harris noted a growing divide between the European Union and the United States over Ukraine, pointing to a recent UN vote where the US aligned itself with Russia, North Korea, and Belarus, rather than its European allies.
He expressed concern over the situation, particularly following tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House.
“There is only one aggressor here, and that aggressor is Putin,” Mr. Harris stated. “Ukraine was a peaceful country that was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia. Ireland will stand with Ukraine, as will Europe.”
He emphasized that while a division between the EU and the US has become apparent, European nations are responding by strengthening alliances among countries that share a common stance on Ukraine.
The Cabinet is expected to review the funding proposal this week, reinforcing Ireland’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine through practical assistance.
Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week programme, Mr. Harris explained that the funding would go towards non-lethal military support, including military vehicles, demining operations, and cyber protection measures.
“This will involve providing funding for armoured vehicles to assist in demining, as well as other non-lethal military equipment,” he said.
The Tánaiste also highlighted Ireland’s role in a wider European Union support package, which will be discussed at an upcoming European Council meeting. Ireland is expected to contribute 2% of whatever total funding is agreed upon—meaning a €2 billion package would see Ireland provide €400 million.
Mr. Harris noted a growing divide between the European Union and the United States over Ukraine, pointing to a recent UN vote where the US aligned itself with Russia, North Korea, and Belarus, rather than its European allies.
He expressed concern over the situation, particularly following tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House.
“There is only one aggressor here, and that aggressor is Putin,” Mr. Harris stated. “Ukraine was a peaceful country that was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia. Ireland will stand with Ukraine, as will Europe.”
He emphasized that while a division between the EU and the US has become apparent, European nations are responding by strengthening alliances among countries that share a common stance on Ukraine.
The Cabinet is expected to review the funding proposal this week, reinforcing Ireland’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine through practical assistance.
