There are calls in Clare and the Midwest for a path to long term residency in Ireland to be outlined for Ukrainian refugees who flee their own country.
Delegations from both Russia and Ukraine are sitting down for talks on the Belarussian border as the conflict enters its fifth day.
Delegations from both countries are currently in discussions near the River Pripyat on Belarus’ border, with Kyiv insists Moscow must withdraw its troops.
The United Nations believes there’s been 102 civilian deaths since the invasion began five days ago – including seven children.
There are reports of dozens of people being killed after shelling in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
However, Ukraine insists it’s still in control of its major cities.
Kilmaley native and former director of Trocaire, Eamonn Meehan, says while he’s hopeful of a positive outcome from the talks, he’s very concerned about the scale of civilian casualties on the ground.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements between Ukraine and Ireland last week, but there are call in this region for more to be done to accommodate refugees fleeing from the crisis.
John Lannon, who’s Chief Executive of Doras based in Limerick, says while current measures are welcome, moves towards a humanitarian assistance programme may be needed.
Meanwhile, Simon Coveney’s defending Ireland’s contribution to a massive EU fund which will arm the Ukrainian military.
Half a billion euro will be spent on weapons, including fighter jets, with Ireland’s contribution to the fund coming in at around 9 million euro, but the Foreign Affairs Minister says it will only go towards non-lethal measures.
