Two Fine Gael Senators have travelled to Ukraine to witness first hand the atrocities caused by the war.
Senator Garret Ahearn and Barry Ward flew to Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday before taking a bus, then a 15 hour train journey to Kyiv.
The Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Mr Ruslan Stefanchuk invited both Senators over to Ukraine to visit Kyiv and Bucha and will join other parliamentarians from the EU.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror from Kyiv, Senator Ahearn said they were delayed in Lviv due to sirens ringing to warn of missile strikes.
It’s understood the two Senators have military protection provided by Ukrainian special forces.
The two Senators will travel to Bucha where they will visit a mass grave and will also visit Irpin.
Senator Ahearn and Ward will be visiting the Ukrainian Parliament and will meet with several Ukrainian Ministers, including the Minister of Defence and Olha Stefanishyna, the Deputy Prime Minister.
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It’s understood the trip has been planned for a number of weeks.
There are no guarantees that the two Senators will meet with President Zelenskyy.
Senator Ward said Ukrainian officials have told how the Ukrainian army and Parliament is “rejuvenated” when they see politicians from European countries visiting the war-torn country.
He said: “We’re heard at the invitation of the Ukrainian speaker and there are two main purposes.
“One, to bear witness to what’s happening, to see first hand what's happening here.
“And secondly to show solidarity, to show you’re willing to come here.”
The two Senators said they witnessed two teenage girls on their train reunite with their mother, who is a Ukrainian Minister, at Kyiv train station.
The teenage girls had been evacuated but their mother has stayed in Ukraine.
“That brought it home to me,” Senator Ward said.
When asked how their visit could help Ukrainians and the purpose for the visit, Senator Ahearn said the Ukrainian Government is “adamant” that politicians visit and show support.
He said: “It is showing support for President Zelenskyy and support for the Ukrainian people and to try and bring some sort of normalisation to the city.
“It is dangerous obviously but it’s more to do with showing Ukraine that all countries are supporting them.
“Ukrainian officials and Ministers are blown away by the solidarity and the message we’re giving is that Ireland is with them and Ireland supports them.”
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