MINISTER for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said US President Donald Trump’s suspension of aid to Ukraine is “deeply concerning”.
The Tanaiste admitted that the decision for the US government to pause military aid to the war torn country marks a “worrying development” and said more details are needed from Trump.
He also noted that this has been declared at a time when the EU and US “need to be moving closer together in a way forward, it is extraordinarily concerning that it seems overnight, things are moving further apart.”
Speaking outside Government Buildings this morning, Harris said: “Up until now, it has always been the situation that aid was continuing to be provided, that equipment and support was continuing to be provided, whilst trying to find a process towards peace.
“To unilaterally and abruptly disrupt that would have very significant consequences.”
Taoiseach Michael Martin added that the move is a “serious setback” and there needs “to be continued engagement between everybody.”
The US paused aid to the war-torn country until Zelensky’s government shows a commitment to peace negotiations, a senior Trump administration official told Fox News.
They added: “This is not permanent termination of aid, it’s a pause.”
And the White House said earlier this morning that the “President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well.”
The decision has been made just days after Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky had a huge bust up inside the Oval Office over the devastating war in eastern Europe.
On Monday, Trump said that Zelensky “will not be around very long” unless he agrees to America’s terms on a peace deal.
He told reporters at the White House: “It should not be that hard a deal to make.
“It could be made very fast. Now, maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long.
“That person will not be listened to very long.”
CABINET SIGN OFF
The Tanaiste and Taoiseach’s comments come as Cabinet is set to be asked to sign off on a €100 million aid package for Ukraine this morning.
Some €80 million of the money is expected to be spent on procurement partnerships.
The remaining €20 million will be spent on demining technology.
If the new package is agreed at EU level this week, the Irish government will ensure the €100 million could be offset against commitments over the inititive.
This will then be discussed by EU leaders next Thursday.
Cabinet was told last month by Harris that €50 million would be given to Ukraine.
The figure has since doubled since it was first brought to Cabinet’s attention.
