President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with the Cathaoirleach, Mark Daly, and the Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy, of the Oireachtas of Ireland.
The Head of State also spoke with the deputy presiding officers of both chambers, the leaders of the parliamentary political parties, and participated in a joint session of the Seanad and the Dáil of the Irish Parliament.
The President expressed gratitude for Ireland’s support, attention to Ukraine, and for providing homes and shelter to Ukrainians forced to leave their own homes because of the war.
“While in some societies the fatigue from news about the war is growing, we do not feel that your voice – the voice of Ireland – is turning quieter. Thank you! Our peoples – Ukrainian and Irish – are among the few in Europe who spent centuries fighting for the right to remain themselves,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that earlier this morning, in Ireland, the Ukrainian team presented a detailed report following meetings in the United States.
“Today, Ukraine is closer to peace than ever before. And there is a real chance. But we must seize this chance fully – the whole world, not just one or another powerful country,” the Head of State stated.
According to the President, Ukraine will continue to coordinate with Ireland and all those who can help, keeping informed those who can influence the outcome.
The Head of State urged parliamentarians to remind the world whenever necessary that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a criminal and unprovoked act of aggression that requires justice.
“I urge you to oppose any decisions that weaken pressure on Russia for this war, as long as war and occupation, and the propaganda of hatred continue. All the pressure on Russia must remain in place. So that Russia does not believe it will be rewarded for this war with stolen Ukrainian land or kidnapped, thousands kidnapped Ukrainian children,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President focused particular attention on the issues of holding Russia accountable for this war and called for continued support for all efforts to make the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression by Russia against Ukraine a reality.
“And it is time for Russian assets to serve the cause of peace – to help defend and rebuild Ukraine. This is a long-overdue decision, and it must be implemented. And please – call on everyone in the world to help return all the children abducted by Russia, and all the prisoners still held in Russian jails and camps,” the Head of State stressed.
