Ireland to advocate for Ukraine's accelerated EU membership, says Prime Minister
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin (president gov ua)
Ireland will "push strongly" for Ukraine's accelerated EU membership, stated Prime Minister Micheál Martin after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He described the meeting with the Ukrainian leader as "very warm", according to Sky News.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Martin said that he had made it clear to Zelenskyy that Ireland was committed to Ukraine's accelerated EU membership.
"He's very keen on that as a priority because, in itself, it gives certain security guarantees to Ukraine, but economically also it opens up significant opportunities for Ukraine into the future," he said.
He added that they also discussed how Ireland could provide financial support to Ukraine.
Meeting in Ireland
On February 27, President Zelenskyy met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin ahead of his trip to Washington. The talks took place at Shannon Airport in Ireland, where Zelenskyy made a stop before flying to the US capital for negotiations with President Donald Trump.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy shared that they discussed security guarantees and the importance of unity between Ukraine, Europe, and the US on the path toward achieving a just peace.
"Additionally, the leaders discussed the construction of shelters in Ukrainian schools and support for school meal reform. They also addressed Ukraine’s initiative to ensure food security in Syria," stated the website of the President of Ukraine.
During their conversation, Zelenskyy and Martin paid particular attention to airspace control, Ireland's participation in the demining coalition, and the EU's training mission to prepare Ukrainian soldiers. Micheál Martin also announced that Ireland would provide Ukraine with Giraffe radar systems.
