Ukraine, Ireland sign bilateral cooperation, anti-corruption agreement

Taoiseach Simon Harris of Ireland and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine inked a cooperation and support agreement between their nations this week. The agreement commits Ireland to provide material assistance while requiring Ukraine to engage in governmental reforms.

Under the agreement signed Wednesday, Ireland will provide humanitarian aid and non-lethal military support, including mine clearance systems and explosive ordnance disposal equipment, according to a Ukrainian press release.

"Ukraine and Ireland . . . reiterate their unequivocal condemnation of Russia's ongoing full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine and temporary occupation of the territory of Ukraine," according to the official text of the Agreement on Support for Ukraine and Cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland.

"Europe’s security is facing its gravest threat in decades," the agreement continues. "Ireland remains unwavering in its commitment to support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991, including its territorial sea."

Ireland has provided Ukraine with €380 million ($421 million) in assistance since Feb. 2022.

Under the agreement, Ireland pledges to "continue to provide long-term political, security and financial support, as well as humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia's invasion."

"Ukraine, for its part, is strongly committed to the implementation of governance reforms, including transparency, accountability and anti-corruption reforms," according to the agreement. Ireland and Ukraine "reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine's European aspirations, and in particular towards Ukraine's membership of the European Union and other international organisations."

Ireland will provide security and defense assistance to Ukraine, including the following:

• The provision of non-lethal military assistance, including under the European Peace Facility;
• The donation of mine clearance and other similar systems, such as explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment;
• The provision of ongoing training to the Ukrainian Defence Forces through the EU Military Assistance Mission, EUMAM Ukraine;
• Membership of the Lithuanian and Icelandic-led demining capability coalition under the Ukraine Defence Contact Group;
• Exploration of other potential avenues of support in terms of Ukraine Defence Contact Group coalitions, such as the Luxembourg and Estonian-led IT coalition.

Ireland also pledged to continue "to provide temporary protection for people fleeing from Ukraine due to Russian aggression, under the EU Temporary Protection Directive."

The agreement's "Promoting Accountability" chapter commits Ireland and Ukraine " to ensuring the accountability of the Russian Federation for all damage, loss or injury to individuals and entities in Ukraine."

Ireland and Ukraine further pledged to pursue and enforce sanctions imposed as a result of Russian aggression.