Taoiseach speaks to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine

“I felt that it was important that in my first full day as Taoiseach I spoke with President Zelenskyy. I took the opportunity to reassure him of Ireland’s unwavering support of Ukraine and its brave people as they continue to defend their country against the imperialist aggression of President Putin and to restore their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia is posing a grave threat to all of Europe and the people of Ukraine are not only fighting for their freedom but are also defending our shared values as Europeans.

“I emphasised to President Zelenskyy that Ireland will continue to assist his country in any way we can and for as long as it takes. Russia cannot and must not prevail.

“We welcomed the recent decision by the European Council to open EU accession negations with Ukraine and I offered any assistance Ireland can provide in supporting their efforts to achieve EU membership as soon as possible.

“I assured President Zelenskyy that Ireland will advocate for support for Ukraine and the President’s peace plan amongst our global partners with whom we enjoy close relationships, including our partners in Africa, and stressed that we will continue to work with partners, both in the EU and the UN, to hold Russia accountable, including through supporting further sanctions against Russia.

“I expressed my pride in the Irish people and the warm welcome they have extended to over 105,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war and thanked them for the valuable contribution they are making to Irish society. We will continue to offer refuge to those seeking safety from this devasting conflict.”