TAOISEACH Michael Martin has said Ireland’s support for Ukraine remains “steadfast” on the three year anniversary of Russia’s “illegal” invasion.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky via video link today after Russian troops invaded Ukraine in a serious escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War on February 24, 2022.
The Fianna Fail leader told a conference of European and international leaders gathered in Kyiv today that Ireland will “spend more” in their support for Ukraine.
The Taoiseach also reiterated it is important Russia not be rewarded for their “barbaric” attacks.
He told the conference: “We do need to say more, we do need to spend more and we need to do more.
“Ireland will contribute more financially on all fronts and in all areas, and will strengthen our commitment on that front.”
And, speaking at Government buildings earlier, Martin highlighted Ireland’s support for Ukraine and told how its citizens have “endured unimaginable violence”.
He said: “Three years on from the launch of Russia’s barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion, it is important that we continue to highlight what is happening on our continent.
“Over the past three years, the people of Ukraine have endured unimaginable violence and suffering, the destruction of their homes and livelihoods and the devastation of critical infrastructure at the hands of the Russian Federation.
“On this third anniversary of Russia’s appalling invasion, it is important to restate that Ireland’s support for the people and government of Ukraine remains steadfast.”
He added: “Those who engage in illegal and brutal invasions and breach the basics of international rules and sovereignty have to know that ultimately there has to be a price for the destruction that is wrought as a result of this war.
“What we must now resolve is to ensure that Russia is never rewarded for what it did three years ago.”
It comes after US President Donald Trump took a jibe at Volodymyr Zelensky dubbing him “a dictator without elections”.
In a social media rant last week Trump warned the Ukrainian hero that he “better move fast or he is not going to have a country left.”
In post on X, the US President said: “He refuses to have elections, is very low in Ukrainian polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden like a fiddle.”
He added: “In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia, something all admit only Trump, and the Trump Administration, can do.”
The Ukrainian leader clapped back saying Trump was living in “a disinformation space”.
And plans for a joint press conference between the pair were scrapped by the US.
‘PEACE MUST PREVAIL’
Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald this afternoon joined in the calls for an end to Russia’s invasion and the “building of a pathway to peace” through “inclusive engagement and dialogue”.
She said: “For three years, the people of Ukraine have bravely resisted Russia’s brutal invasion of their country.
“Ireland has stood resolutely with the Ukrainian people as they defend the right of their nation to freedom and sovereignty. The human cost of the invasion has been paid in a terrible loss of life and destruction.
“The efforts of the international community must be focused on building a pathway to peace through inclusive engagement and good faith dialogue. The aim must be to secure an end to the invasion and a withdrawal of Russia’s military. Peace must prevail.
“Russia’s military aggression cannot be rewarded. We must see a restoration of respect for international law and the upholding of Ukraine’s right to sovereignty, self determination and freedom, the right of Ukraine to live as free nation”
It comes after Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said Ireland would engage in talks about deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine.
