Ukrainian MPS to visit Leinster House in June

A DELEGATION of Ukrainian politicians are set to visit Leinster House next month.

Three female Ukrainian MPs will make a special address to the Seanad in the first week of June.

Fine Gael senator Garret Ahearn extended the invitation to the MPs during his visit to the country last week, and this was approved by the Upper House yesterday.

Mr Ahearn was part of a delegation of 20 parliamentarians from across the EU who visited the parliament in Kyiv last week.

He went to the towns of Bucha and Borodianka, the scenes of horrific atrocities at the hands of the Russian army, during his visit.

Mr Ahearn said: ‘The sole mission of the group is to deliver the current message of the Ukrainian government to our own parliaments and to show our solidarity and support in response to the ongoing conflict.

‘Visiting Bucha and Borodianka was a harrowing experience and one I will never forget. The people of Ukraine are incredibly resilient people who believe with determination that they will win this war against Russia.’

Last month, Ukrainian president of Volodymyr Zelensky virtually addressed a special joint sitting of the Dáil and the Seanad. And Mr Ahearn said: ‘Ireland is a small country but holds significant influence within the EU. This would be a historic sitting and something I am sure which all members across the House would support.’