Ireland announces €35.4m Ukraine support package at UN gathering
Ireland commits €35.4m more to Ukraine aid as Tánaiste meets Foreign Minister at UN summit in New York, including €1m for school meals programme.
The Irish Government has committed over €35 million in additional funding to support Ukraine, as Tánaiste Simon Harris prepares to meet his Ukrainian counterpart at the United Nations High Level Week in New York.
The substantial funding package, announced on Tuesday morning, will provide humanitarian aid both within Ukraine and across the broader region affected by Russia's ongoing invasion. The announcement comes as Ireland marks significant international diplomatic engagement during the UN's 80th anniversary celebrations.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said:
"Marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations is an opportunity to remember the importance of the international community standing together to stop wars, protect civilians and uphold international law. Russia's aggression against Ukraine stands in complete violation of these principles. The funding I am announcing today is a further demonstration of Ireland's support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against this brutal invasion."
The funding breakdown reveals Ireland's comprehensive approach to Ukrainian support. The largest portion, €23.5 million, will address immediate humanitarian needs through established UN agencies including OCHA, UNHCR, and UNICEF, alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
A dedicated €1 million has been earmarked for the World Food Programme's school feeding initiative, which will provide meals to 250,000 young people attending schools near frontline areas. This targeted support addresses the particular vulnerability of children in conflict zones.
Minister for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond said:
"Ireland has stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion. Our message at High Level Week is clear: Russia must cease its aggression and Ukraine must be provided with strong and enduring guarantees for its future security."
The remaining €9 million will fund stabilisation and peace-building efforts through various international partners, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and collaborative programmes with Baltic states Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia.
Moldova, which has hosted significant numbers of Ukrainian refugees, will receive €2 million through UNICEF and World Bank programmes, recognising the regional impact of the conflict.
The announcement coincides with Tuesday's scheduled meeting between Harris and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during UN High Level Week activities. Richmond emphasised that the gathering provides crucial opportunities to maintain international pressure on Russia whilst building broader global support for Ukraine.
This latest commitment builds upon Ireland's sustained diplomatic and financial support for Ukraine since February 2022, reinforcing the country's position within EU and UN frameworks calling for the restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty.
