Taoiseach in Kyiv to pledge EU support in war effort

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin arrived in Kyiv for a crucial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling continued European Union and Irish solidarity with Ukraine. The visit, occurring early in Ireland's presidency of the EU Council, aims to strengthen support for Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia.

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My visit to Kyiv early in the term of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU is important to underline the EU’s and Ireland’s continuing solidarity with the Ukrainian government and the people of Ukraine.

During his visit, Martin is set to discuss the war and Ukraine's EU accession negotiations with President Zelensky. He will also meet with Ukraine's newly appointed Prime Minister, Serhii Koretskyi, and address the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, focusing on domestic reforms necessary for EU membership. The Taoiseach condemned Russia's "brutal aggression" and recent intensified strikes on Kyiv, which have caused significant loss of life and humanitarian concerns.

Martin will also tour civilian areas damaged by recent Russian drone and missile attacks and meet with international organizations providing aid. Ireland has already committed over €500 million to Ukraine, supporting humanitarian needs, non-lethal military assistance, and critical energy infrastructure. The Prime Minister emphasized that support for Ukraine is a top priority during Ireland's EU presidency.

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Having endured more than four years of brutal aggression against its people and territory, Ukraine continues to demonstrate tremendous resilience and courage in the face of relentless Russian attacks, which have intensified on Kyiv and other parts of the country in recent weeks.

The visit also touches upon a sensitive issue: an ongoing Irish investigation into whether alumina exported from Ireland to Russia is being used in the production of Russian munitions. President Zelensky had previously urged Ireland to halt such exports, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the investigation.

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I strongly condemn these actions, which have led to significant loss of life and risk further humanitarian crises, and call on Russia to end its war.