Ukrainians feel “far less optimistic” than they did last year, Charlie Flanagan. 

This week marks two years since the Russian invasion and the former Minister for Foreign Affairs has recently returned from a trip to “gauge the mood” in Kyiv. 

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, the Fine Gael TD said the mood remains of ‘one of sobriety, sombreness, seriousness’ following two years of warfare. 

“Ukrainians are defiant, resilient, courageous and brave,” he said. 

“I was there last August and I have to say that the mood in Kyiv now is far less optimistic than it was. 

“I think people are tired, people are weary; I think politicians are frustrated and that of course spills over to civil society.”

Firefighters work in ruins of a mall damaged in Russia's most massive missile attack in Dnipro, Ukraine, 29/12/2023. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Since 2022, an estimated 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers and a further 10,000 civilians have died in the conflict. 

Although those on or close to the frontline are in the most danger, Deputy Flanagan said Kyiv is still highly defended. 

“There are less sirens, less air raids because the air defence system is working well in the city,” he said. 

“However, everywhere there are scars of missiles and drones. 

“At the university, for example, all the windows are blocked up.” 

'Constant demand for weaponry'

Deputy Flanagan said the main message he got when speaking with soldiers and political figures was the need for more military equipment for Ukrainian troops.

“I was struck by the constant demand for weaponry,” he said. 

“I didn’t go to the front but I did have a call with soldiers on the front and I did go to a recovery rehabilitation centre and saw first-hand amputees and heard their story. 

“It’s pretty grim and their request is for weapons and weapons and weapons.”

2J6APK7 Dmytrivka village, Kyiv region, Ukraine - April 13, 2022: Destroyed private house during active hostilities in Ukraine. War of Russia against Ukraine

Despite this, he said Ukrainians are aware that Ireland can do little to help them from a military perspective. 

“The ask of Ireland is a little different,” he said. 

“Firstly, there’s an acknowledgement of what we’re doing in terms of the welcoming of almost 110,000 Ukrainian refugees here.

“[They’re being] treated well by the Irish State and that’s very much appreciated. 

“As far as the military effort is concerned, there’s an understanding that we don’t supply lethal weaponry - we haven’t got much in any event.” 

Deputy Flanagan said the invasion of Ukraine should be considered as “Europe’s 9/11” and said he was concerned there is very little interest in defence and security among the public. 

“I do want to hear about it because I think it’s a big issue,” he said. 

“Certainly, in the context of the next election, we’re going to have to look at defence. 

“Why, for example, don’t we have a standalone Minister for Defence? We haven’t had one for over 10 years.” 

One thing he did rule out was the possibility of joining NATO, which he said he “accepts” there is very little public support for.

Main image: Charlie Flanagan. Picture by: Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie