Irish premier criticises Russia of 'terrorism and barbarism'

Irish premier Simon Harris met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week, and criticised the Russian government for "terrorism and barbarism".

Harris said: “Russia’s missile strike and killing of scores of people in Poltava on Tuesday is a grim and horrific reminder of the threat Ukraine is facing every day. We express our outrage and sympathy to the families of those who have died."

He said attacks on civilian infrastructure and homes by Russia was becoming a “very regular and sometimes daily occurrence”.

His visit comes after a mother and her three daughters were identified among seven killed in a Russian strike on Lviv. Russian bombing of Ukraine has intensified in recent days, with more than 40 people killed and 180 wounded in strikes on a military institute in the central town of Poltava. 

Prior to the meeting, Harris said: “With President Zelenskyy, I will sign an Agreement on Support and Cooperation between Ireland and Ukraine. This makes it clear that Ukraine’s values are our values and we will stand with the brave people of Ukraine for as long as it takes”.

The premier also announced details of a €36 million funding package to organisations working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.