Irish embassy in Kyiv reopens after operating remotely since Russian invasion

Team’s ‘key priority’ renewing contacts with Ukrainian government, Coveney says

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said the embassy will resume its operations on the ground in Kyiv. Photograph: David Young/PA
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said the embassy will resume its operations on the ground in Kyiv. Photograph: David Young/PA

The Irish embassy in Kyiv has reopened, having operated remotely since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement on Monday that the embassy had “resumed operations” and it would be functioning with “very limited capacity” to provide in-person consular assistance.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said as the embassy resumes its operations on the ground in Kyiv, the team’s “key priority” will be renewing and building their network of contacts with Ukrainian government officials to “better inform Ireland’s provision of support and assistance to the government and people of Ukraine”.

The department said it is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine together with EU and other international partners.

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“The department continues to strongly advise against all travel to Ukraine, for any purpose,” it said.

“In common with other embassies operating in Ukraine, the embassy will be functioning with very limited capacity to provide any in-person consular assistance.”

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns is a reporter for The Irish Times