In Dublin, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin.
The Head of State noted that our country has always received Ireland’s full understanding of what is happening in Ukraine and, most importantly, of how unjust Russia’s aggression is against our country and against normal, peaceful life in Europe.
Micheál Martin thanked the President for visiting Dublin for the European Political Community Summit and noted that this was Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s third visit to Ireland in the past 12 months.
“Your visits show the enduring strength of the partnership between our two countries and the friendship between the Irish and Ukrainian peoples. This friendship has been solidified by the thousands of Ukrainians who’ve made Ireland their home for now, and who’ve been welcomed by the Irish people,” he said.
The Head of State briefed Micheál Martin on the situation on the front line and on how difficult it is to restore Ukraine’s infrastructure after Russian strikes.
The President thanked Ireland for the support packages it provides. The leaders agreed that Ireland will play an active role in the Shelter Coalition.
“We discussed the details of our Drone Deal. The priority is naval drones and security at sea. We are ready to help with this. We are ready for joint production with Ireland. We expect the Drone Deal with Ireland to get underway,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine and the Taoiseach of Ireland also discussed the diplomatic process. On November 10–11, negotiations took place in Abu Dhabi, along with meetings involving European representatives: the E4 format, as well as the European Commission and NATO.
“President Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will be in Russia tomorrow for negotiations, and we count on meeting with them right here in Ireland, in Dublin, at the end of the day tomorrow,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Ireland currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for this six-month period. The President noted that everything agreed with Ireland is being carried out as planned.
“Of course, we are also having substantive discussions about the tasks ahead on our path to the European Union and our progress in European integration. We must open all negotiating clusters this year. This is a very important result. And we must begin our next steps. And we in Ukraine will do everything to make this possible. We count on the support of all our partners in Europe, and Ireland supports us in this,” the Head of State said.
Another important issue discussed was strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia, including sanctions against Russian entities working for the head of Russia and his system, and against businesses through which Russia obtains scarce components, equipment, and machine tools to produce weapons, including ballistic missiles, attack drones, and communications systems.
“We must restrict Russia’s weapons production, and this is one of the best ways to push Russia toward a real dialogue and real steps toward peace. Our Ukrainian long-range sanctions are working. Russian weapons production facilities are within range of our long-range capabilities. And the main thing is to ensure that our partners support these efforts – legally, economically, and politically,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
Micheál Martin emphasized that Ireland is ready to do even more to maintain pressure on Russia through tough sanctions.
