The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas and several EU foreign ministers have arrived in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of the Bucha massacre and to voice their support for Ukraine, amid tensions within the bloc over blocked EU aid.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha greeted Ms Kallas and other senior EU officials at Kyiv's central railway station early today, saying that such a strong European presence demonstrated that justice for Russian atrocities was inevitable.
"Today, we commemorate the grim anniversary of the Bucha massacre," Mr Sybiha said on the Telegram messaging app.
"Comprehensive accountability for Russian crimes is vital to restore justice in Europe. And today, we will advance accountability efforts."
Ukraine marks the fourth anniversary this week of the liberation of Bucha, around 25 km from the Ukrainian capital, which brought to light the atrocities carried out in the town, where Russian troops killed more than 400 people.
Moscow denied its troops committed the atrocities and accused Ukraine of staging the incident.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee is among the ministers in attendance in Ukraine.
"I look forward to joining my EU colleagues in Kyiv to show our strong support for Ukraine. We will come together to remember the victims of the atrocities in Bucha and to reaffirm our commitment to holding Russia fully accountable for its unprovoked invasion," Ms McEntee said before the meeting.
"After four years of war, the human impact in Ukraine has been devastating. Russia has the power to end this conflict, but instead of engaging in meaningful negotiations, it continues attacks on towns and energy infrastructure. Ireland stands firmly with the people of Ukraine.
"I look forward to hearing from President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Sybiha on recent developments, the current situation, and Ukraine's needs.
"As Ireland prepares for its upcoming EU Presidency, I will highlight our continued support for Ukraine across political, financial, humanitarian, and non-lethal military areas. I will also reaffirm Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
"I welcome ongoing efforts to secure a fair and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and I hope meaningful progress can be made soon. By meeting in Kyiv, we are sending a clear and united message that EU support for Ukraine remains strong," she added.
Drone attacks hit Russia for third time in a week
Drone attacks caused fresh damage at Russia's Baltic port of Ust-Luga, the regional governor has said, for the third time in a week.
Russian air defences shot down 38 drones overnight in northwestern Leningrad region, its governor said on social media.
"There is damage at the port of Ust-Luga," Governor Alexander Drozdenko said, adding three people - including two children - were wounded in the overnight attacks.
The port on the Gulf of Finland is a key hub for Russia's exports of fertlizers, oil and coal and has been hit several times in recent days.
Ukraine has intensified retaliatory attacks on Russian infrastructure - including refineries, oil depots and ports - saying they are justified as part of the effort to cut revenues funding Russia's offensive.
Russian authorities said on Wednesday and Sunday that Ukrainian drone attacks had caused fires at the port.
Talks between Moscow and Kyiv, brokered by the United States and aimed at ending the four-year war, have been derailed by fighting in the Middle East.
