In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin. During the meeting, the Head of the Irish Government announced a new €125 million support package.
"We value that during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, you're right here with us, with Ukraine. You're standing with Ukraine, seeing for yourself what's happening, and understanding what we need to defend ourselves and protect people's lives. Russia's attacks don't stop for a single day," the Head of State said.
The two leaders discussed the threats and real challenges facing Ukraine ahead of the fall: the preparations by Russia's chief for new attacks on Ukraine, additional mobilization, and further expansion of the war.
They also held detailed discussions on sanctions policy against Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked every European leader who made the adoption of the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia possible.
"Today, Micheál assured me that he will work toward the 22nd package. We'll also be working with other partners, outside the European Union, to encourage them to incorporate the EU's new sanctions into their own legal frameworks. Synchronizing sanctions matters a lot," the President said.
A separate topic of discussion was one of the schemes and supply chains supporting Russia's defense industry. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this includes the production of aluminum components used in missiles, combat aircraft, and other military equipment.
"I'm grateful for the understanding of this threat. It's important that the relevant steps are taken and that Russia's war receives no support whatsoever," the President stressed.
They also addressed the possibility of suspending European funding for organizations that allow Russian athletes to compete under the Russian flag in international competitions, given that most of those athletes openly support the war and have ties to the Russian military.
The leaders devoted particular attention to Ukraine's EU accession process and the opening of the remaining four negotiating clusters.
"This work should move forward actively, so that it is truly felt that a stronger European Union and our European integration are a matter of security for everyone – not just for us, but for everyone in Europe," the Head of State said.
The Taoiseach emphasized that, despite extraordinary challenges, Ukraine's Government and Parliament continue implementing the required reforms, and that this deserves high recognition.
"We believe that every European country that is committed to our shared values and meets the established criteria should have the opportunity to join the European Union and enjoy the same benefits Ireland has experienced over the past 50 years. Supporting Ukraine and its EU candidacy is one of the top priorities of our Presidency of the Council of the European Union," he said.
The President also briefed the Taoiseach on the diplomatic efforts to end the war, including his conversation with U.S. partners about joint steps that could help stop Russia's aggression.
"But as long as this war continues – as long as Russia's attacks continue – our top priority remains air defense: of course, missiles, first and foremost for the Patriot systems, missiles for other air defense systems, and our joint defense production efforts with Europe and all our partners. We need to move even faster here," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
