On 14 October, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis held a meeting with a delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland led by of the Political Director Gerard Keown.

The Deputy Minister thanked the Irish side for its unwavering support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. “We highly value Ireland’s steadfast solidarity. The new humanitarian package of over €35 million, Ireland’s participation in coalitions supporting Ukraine, and the recently delivered demining equipment are tangible assistance that saves lives and strengthens our resilience. We look forward to Ireland’s continued support,” Yevhen Perebyinis emphasized.

The discussion focused in particular on the situation at the frontline and prospects for achieving a just peace in Ukraine. The Deputy Minister stressed that there were no signs of Russia’s readiness to end the war and noted the intensification of its air attacks on Ukraine’s civilian and critical infrastructure.

In this context, he underlined the paramount importance of further strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia by the EU and other partners of Ukraine as well as taking effective measures to prevent sanctions circumvention. Yevhen Perebyinis expressed hope for the swift adoption of the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia.

The parties also touched upon the state of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and the key priorities of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.

Both sides highlighted the importance of implementing joint Irish–Baltic initiatives to equip shelters for schools and kindergartens and establish both a rehabilitation centre in Berdychiv and a resilience centre in Chernihiv. Yevhen Perebyinis thanked Ireland for its active role in the rehabilitation of Ukrainian children and allocating €1 million to support a school-meals project in Ukraine’s frontline regions.