Byrne meets with President Zelenskyy while on trip to Ukraine to open underground school shelter
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Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week when he visited one of the sites of the recent missile attacks launched by Russia on Kyiv. Minister Byrne had the opportunity to offer condolences to President Zelenskyy on behalf of the Irish Government and people, and laid a wreath in memory of the victims.Image 2 of 2
In Ukraine last week, Minister Byrne condemned Russia’s latest missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and other cities.Meath East TD, Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, met with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Friday evening last, just before the Ukrainian leader travelled to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis, where he had a 15-minute meeting with US President, Donald Trump in St Peter's Basilica.
Minister Byrne was in Ukraine to open an underground school shelter in Odesa, co-funded by Ireland, Lithuania and the European Commission. He undertook a joint visit to Odesa with his Lithuanian counterpart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sigitas Mitkus. Ireland last year joined Lithuania and the European Commission in responding to the need identified by the Ukrainian Government for the construction and equipping of six underground school shelters across Ukraine. The project addresses the immediate protection needs of children and teachers, and enables continuity of education and learning, notwithstanding Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The underground shelter opened by Minister Byrne is the first completed shelter to support the people of Odesa, an area constantly targetted by Russia.
Speaking in Odesa, Minister Byrne said: “As I arrive in Ukraine, I want to condemn Russia’s latest missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and other cities. The deliberate targeting of civilians is reprehensible. Ireland will continue to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
“This visit to Ukraine is a reflection of the Irish Government’s steadfast support. As we have seen yet again overnight, Russia’s appalling aggression has had a particularly severe impact on Ukrainian children and that is why Ireland is proud to join, with Lithuania and the European Commission, in supporting the people of this region with this new school underground shelter.
“It is an outrage that we need to build underground shelters for school children in Ukraine. But these shelters have become a necessity, as a direct result of Russia’s illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion.
“The right to an education is something which we in Ireland very much cherish. Our progress as a nation stems from our want for education and its enjoyment. But it is only when a child feels safe, that their mind is free to learn and absorb, the teachings on offer to them.”
Minister Byrne also visited Kyiv, and met with President Zelenskyy, who he said continued to express his thanks for the Irish support.
“Hopefully something will come out of the meeting between the two presidents in Rome,” Minister Byrne said this week.
He said there are times that life seems to go on as normal in Odesa, but then you see a bombed out hotel.
“And having to build an underground shelter to protect schoolschildren is something that should never have too happen,” he added.