DUBLIN — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly stated on Tuesday that Ukraine cannot entertain any ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Russia that would enable Russia to launch a third invasion. His remarks came during his inaugural visit to Ireland as president.
In a show of solidarity, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin publicly supported Zelenskyy, condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin during their joint press conference. Martin remarked,
“Putin has shown a complete indifference to the value of human life and to international laws and norms. He must never be allowed to succeed.”
Zelenskyy emphasizes need for security guarantees
Zelenskyy’s brief yet impactful trip to Dublin included a standing ovation from the joint houses of parliament and a meeting with Ireland’s newly elected President Catherine Connolly, who has expressed critical views on NATO. The visit coincided with renewed talks between Moscow and U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
In his discussions with Witkoff, Zelenskyy anticipated a follow-up call on Tuesday evening but tempered expectations regarding a quick resolution to end Russia’s ongoing aggression. He categorically rejected any proposed agreements lacking definitive security assurances from both the United States and European allies, a commitment that appears to be resisted by the Trump administration.
He asserted, “We have to stop the war in such a manner that in one year Russia would not come back with a third invasion,” referring to Russia’s earlier annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale offensive that began in 2022.
Martin calls for accountability and reconstruction funding
Taoiseach Martin elaborated on the necessity of imposing consequences on Russia to ensure any ceasefire becomes a lasting peace. He emphasized the importance of Russia bearing the financial burden of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, advocating for the European Commission’s initiative to utilize frozen Russian assets, primarily held in Belgium. Martin expressed optimism that Belgium would reconsider its opposition during the upcoming European Council meeting.
“When the U.N. charter is violated in such a brutal manner,” Martin stated regarding Russia’s invasion, “there has to be a deterrence of such behavior. There has to be some responsibility on the aggressor who has wreaked such devastation.”
He continued, “There’s a very practical issue of the enormity of the reconstruction of Ukraine and the cost of that, and who’s going to pay for that. It cannot only be the European taxpayer. Europe did not start this war.”
During Zelenskyy’s visit, Ireland, a traditionally neutral nation, seized the opportunity to bolster its financial aid to Ukraine. Martin formalized a commitment of an additional €100 million in non-lethal military assistance, which includes equipment for clearing minefields, along with €25 million designated for the restoration of Ukraine’s beleaguered energy infrastructure. Notably, Ireland, which is not a NATO member and lacks its own defense manufacturing capabilities, has refrained from funding the procurement of weapons.
Despite hosting over 80,000 Ukrainian refugees, Ireland is beginning to scale back housing and welfare support amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments. Zelenskyy, however, expressed his gratitude for the ongoing assistance, stating, “The question is not about the size of assistance. It’s about the choice.”
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the date of Zelenskyy’s comments. This piece has been updated to reflect that he spoke on December 2.