The Irish Government is poised to contribute an additional €315 million to the European Union’s enhanced military package for Ukraine, as confirmed by reliable sources. This contribution will augment the €100 million already pledged in recent weeks.
The newly proposed €315 million will focus specifically on non-lethal support, reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to assisting Ukraine during these challenging times.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris, currently speaking from the United States, reached out to Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, to emphasize Ireland’s eagerness to join in the collective effort to bolster military support for Ukraine. In Harris’s words, “Ireland is committed to standing with Ukraine in both word and action.”
In anticipation of a forthcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Harris has instructed Irish officials to communicate this supportive stance. Within the context of a comprehensive military package estimated at €20 billion, Ireland’s contribution would represent approximately €315 million.
Earlier this month, the Tánaiste secured governmental approval to proceed with a plan that allocates €100 million for non-lethal military aid, which includes €80 million earmarked for procurement partnerships with fellow EU member states, such as Lithuania and Denmark. Future partnerships will be shaped by considerations of capacity and the speed of delivery.
The non-lethal items to be funded by Ireland will be identified in close collaboration with Ukrainian officials. It’s noteworthy that during a meeting at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia indicated that the immediate priority lies in acquiring non-lethal components of air-defense systems, including essential items such as radar.
Furthermore, it is understood that Ukraine would also appreciate Irish funding aimed at electronic warfare initiatives, including jamming equipment, as well as unarmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones and armored personnel carriers.
Additionally, a portion of the €100 million proposed by the Tánaiste will be directed towards the Ukraine Defence Contact Groups Coalition, with €20 million allocated to enhance Ukraine’s de-mining capabilities through the equipping and training of specialized de-mining battalions. The remaining €10 million will focus on enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities in critical areas such as IT, communications, and cybersecurity.
As the situation continues to evolve, Ireland’s proactive approach in supporting Ukraine underscores the importance of international solidarity in addressing global challenges.
“In times of crisis, unity and cooperation become our greatest strengths.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
