Tánaiste Simon Harris is attending a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, which has been overshadowed by the deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy that claimed 34 lives and left many injured, reports RTE.
The strike targeted civilians returning from Palm Sunday services and has been met with widespread condemnation.
Last night, European Council President Antonio Costa, who speaks for the 27 EU leaders, labeled the attack as a criminal act, reports RTE.
Foreign ministers had been expected to hear from the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on recent efforts to create a “coalition of the willing” that could offer some form of reassurance or peacekeeping presence in Ukraine after a ceasefire.
However, the devastating missile strike on Sumy in northeastern Ukraine has made the prospect of a ceasefire appear more remote, reports RTE.
Russia launched two ballistic missiles into the city center, resulting in the worst attack of the year so far, with dozens killed and many others wounded.
US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg described the incident as horrifying. It occurred just two days after another envoy of US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, reports RTE.
The EU foreign ministers are expected to push forward a plan to supply Ukraine with two million high-powered artillery shells, along with another package aimed at boosting air defenses and training Ukrainian military units.
Ireland is contributing to the non-lethal components of both support packages.
Ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste reaffirmed Ireland’s strong backing for Ukraine, reports RTE.
“This meeting comes at a crucial moment in terms of the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. We need to continue to demonstrate our unity and collective backing for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression, reports RTE.
“It will be an opportunity also to get an update from Foreign Minister Sybiha about developments on the ground and how best the EU can continue its support for the Ukrainian people,” he added, reports RTE.
Ministers are also set to discuss how to address a serious shortfall in funding for the Palestinian authority, whose financial system has been severely impacted by the ongoing war in Gaza.
They are also expected to have informal talks surrounding issues of tariffs and trade.
“I look forward to engaging constructively with my EU counterparts on the situation around tariffs,” Mr Harris said, reports RTE.
“We deeply welcome the announcement by President Trump of a pause on some tariffs for 90 days and the EU decision that followed to also implement a pause. This provides an opportunity to get around the table and try and find a negotiated way forward,” he added, reports RTE.
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