President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defense of Ireland, Helen McEntee.
The Head of State thanked Ireland for its military, humanitarian, and energy support, and personally thanked Helen McEntee for taking part in the Bucha Summit, held the day before, on the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Bucha from Russian occupiers.
The President stressed the importance of unblocking Ukraine’s accession negotiations with the European Union. In the second half of this year, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and Ukraine is counting on its support in this regard.
“Your role in the second half of this year is crucial for the EU and, of course, for us. Naturally, we want to understand how we can move forward faster,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The Head of State emphasized that it is essential for all political blockages to finally be removed and for a fair mechanism to start working: if a country implements reforms, the clusters are opened.
Helen McEntee said that during its Presidency, Ireland will continue to support Ukraine. She assured that her country will do everything possible to ensure fairness for the Ukrainian people in this process.
“There are several factors that may influence this process. Some are beyond our control, and some may be resolved in the coming weeks. But where we can make progress, we certainly want to do so,” the Minister emphasized.
The Head of State also thanked Ireland for its participation in projects initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. According to the Minister, her country will continue to support Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, fund anti-drone technologies, and humanitarian projects.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Helen McEntee also discussed work with partners, including transatlantic cooperation with the United States. The President briefed her on the outcomes of his visits to Middle Eastern countries and the protection system Ukraine has proposed there. The Head of State stressed the need to expand the protection of human life in Europe as well. Ukraine is ready to contribute its expertise, experience, and technologies. According to him, such cooperation is possible both bilaterally and within the SAFE instrument.