Ireland to sign bilateral agreement expressing solidarity with Ukraine

The political agreement emphasises Ireland’s solidarity with Ukraine and its citizens and supports its right to defend itself against Russia under the UN Charter.

The agreement is “fully aligned” with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, Foreign Affairs Minister and Tánaiste Micheál Martin told his Cabinet colleagues.

The agreement also states that any Irish assistance for Ukraine will be non-lethal. Japan also provides only non-lethal assistance to Ukraine.

Work on a draft agreement between Ireland and Ukraine has been led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in close consultation with the Departments of the Taoiseach, Defence and Justice.

The text focuses on: political, humanitarian and reconstruction support; Ukrainian reforms; Russian sanctions, and support for accountability.

The agreement would last for 10 years, in line with all of the other agreements signed to date.

In July 2023, the G7 pledged support to Ukraine and this was signed by Ireland, as well as other countries in the EU.

A total of 25 EU Member States, as well as the US, the UK and Japan have completed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine since then.

A number of other countries are close to finalising their bilateral agreements with Ukraine.

The EU and Ukraine signed a ten-year joint framework last June which covers a range of measures, including support for Ukraine to join the EU.

Overall assistance to Ukraine at EU level totals around €108bn, including financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support.

Ireland’s support for Ukraine includes political, humanitarian, military, and economic support.

Ireland has provided approximately €90mn in stabilisation and humanitarian support to Ukraine, as well as approximately €250m in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility.

Over 109,000 Ukrainian refugees have come to Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive.