Main Points
- Volodymyr Zelenskiy has addressed a joint sitting of the Dáil and Seanad as part of the first state visit by a Ukrainian president to Ireland
- An additional €125 million in financial support for Ukraine is part of a new roadmap signed on Tuesday by Taoiseach Micheál Martin
- Mr Zelenskiy said it is a “great honour for me to stand here today in a country that understand the price of freedom, understands better than many, many in the world and that shares our belief that every voice counts and every nation matters”
- He said “the aggressor [Russia] must be held accountable for what was done”
Key Reads
- Putin says Russia ready to fight Europe ‘right now’ as peace talks continue
- Analysis: Ukraine’s fate hangs in the balance
- In pictures: Zelenskiy’s first official visit to Ireland
Zelenskiy’s visit in pictures
See today’s visit in pictures here.
“Zelenskiy was in Paris on Monday before his trip to Dublin. He knows he cannot rely on Trump. But he knows that the EU and its member states still command some sway in Washington,” writes Political Editor Pat Leahy.
“Perhaps Putin knows it too. As Zelenskiy was receiving the plaudits of Dublin, Putin was warning that he was ready to go to war with Europe immediately, if Europe sought to start one. He objects to Europe interjecting itself into the peace talks between the US and Russia.
“This threatening vista, with the fate of his country in the balance, was the background to warm scenes that greeted Zelenskiy in Dublin.”
Read his analysis in full here.
Before the talks in Moscow, Mr Putin accused Ukraine’s European allies of sabotaging US-led efforts to end the war that have gained momentum in recent weeks.
“They don’t have a peace agenda, they’re on the side of the war,” he said before he held talks the talks with a US delegation led by envoy Steve Witkoff and US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner at the Kremlin.
The Russian leader accused Europe of amending peace proposals with “demands that are absolutely unacceptable to Russia”, thus “blocking the entire peace process” only to blame Russia for it.
“That’s their goal,” Mr Putin said.
He reiterated his long-held position that Russia has no plans to attack Europe – a concern regularly voiced by some European countries.
“But if Europe suddenly wants to wage a war with us and starts it, we are ready right away. There can be no doubt about that,” Mr Putin said.
Speaking with Mr Putin via a translator before the talks, Mr Witkoff said he and Mr Kushner had taken “a beautiful walk” around Moscow and described it as a “magnificent city”. – Associated Press
Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said he will be waiting for signals from the American delegation after its meetings in Russia, adding that the “next steps will depend on those signals”.
The Ukrainian president said the US delegation intends to brief him immediately after the meetings in Moscow.
“I am ready to receive all the signals and ready for a meeting with President Trump. Everything depends on today’s discussions,” Mr Zelenskiy said on X.
“The United States says that a lot of blood has been shed and it’s enough. And we fully support them. But we must end this war in a way that prevents Russia from coming back a year later with a third invasion.”
Mr Zelenskiy said there will be no simple solutions to ending the war.
“What matters is that everything is fair and transparent. That there are no games played behind Ukraine’s back. That nothing is decided without Ukraine – about us, about our future.”
He said the most “sensitive things and the most difficult questions” concern territories and frozen assets.
“I can’t speak on behalf of European leaders about frozen money in Europe. I can only share my view, and they can support me. And about security guarantees. We count on strong security guarantees from the United States and Europe, and some other leaders,” he said.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has met White House envoys in the Kremlin to discuss a US push to end the war in Ukraine, after warning that his country was ready to fight Europe “right now” if necessary and accusing it of blocking peace efforts.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law, began talks with Mr Putin on Tuesday evening to discover Russia’s position on proposals for a framework peace plan that US and Ukrainian officials discussed last weekend in Miami.
Read more here.
University College Cork and the University of Galway both signed agreements today to join the Global Coalition of Ukrainian at a meeting attended by Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska.
Ms Zelenska launched the initiative in 2024 to advance Ukrainian studies worldwide, including the Ukrainian language, literature, history, and culture.
The initiative aims to foster and share academically grounded knowledge about Ukraine, and establish partnerships between members and Ukrainian higher education institutions.
Mr Lawless said the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two universities and the coalition is further evidence of a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine.
“The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies offers important potential to safeguard key aspects of Ukrainian culture and heritage.
“I am heartened to see the recognition, through this initiative, of the important role higher education institutions can play in this regard,” he said.
Ms Zelenska said Ireland’s support for Ukrainian students and scholars has “naturally laid the groundwork” for the inclusion of Irish universities in the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies.
“The coalition works to ensure that the study and understanding of Ukraine and its culture, through the development of Ukrainian Studies, become a full-fledged part of university curricula around the world,” she said.
According to the Department of Further and Higher Education, 139 higher education institutions across the world have expressed their intent to join the coalition of 44 members. Some 19 memorandums of understanding are currently under review.
“It is a great honour for me to stand here today – in a country that understands the price of freedom better than many in Europe, better than many in the world, and that shares our belief that every voice counts, every nation matters,” Mr Zelenskiy said during his address.
His full speech can be viewed here:
Russian president Vladimir Putin has warned European powers that Russia is “ready right now” should Europe start a war with the country.
While Mr Putin said Russia did not want a war with Europe, he claimed it would end so swiftly that there would be no one left to negotiate a peace deal with in Europe.
Mr Putin also accused European powers of hindering US president Donald Trump’s attempts to end the war in Ukraine by putting forward proposals that are “absolutely unacceptable” to Moscow.
Read more here.
During a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin today, energy and humanitarian assistance, Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership, and the need to “hold Russia accountable for its aggression”, was discussed, according to Mr Zelenskiy.
A roadmap on a partnership between both nations for the next five years was also approved and signed, which will see an additional €125 million in financial support for Ukraine.
Some €100 million will fund non-lethal military support, while €25 million will support the restoration and protection of Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the provision of energy upgrades.
“I thank Ireland for the entire journey we’ve taken together, for the respect shown to our people and to Ukraine – and for standing with us not just for political reasons, but because Ireland truly defends the right of nations to live,” the Ukrainian president said on X.
Speaking after Mr Zelenskiy, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Mark Daly said there must be “lasting peace” in Ukraine.
There are children in Ukraine who have “never known a day’s peace, whose parents go to sleep in often freezing temperatures without power or heat, wondering if they will be awakened by air raid sirens”, he said.
“We on this island have known violence and struggle” but “we now know peace. Ireland and Europe have stood with and will continue to stand with Ukraine and we hope Ukraine finds a just peace in the near future.”
Mr Zelenskiy warned that “hatred will not fade and it will continue to smoulder and provoke new violence”.
“History has seen this before. This time must be different. We need real peace,” he said.
Concluding his speech, he renewed his appeal to Ireland to “never lose your faith in Ukraine”.
“Thank you Ireland. Glory to Ukraine,” he said.
The aggressor must be held accountable for what was done, Zelenskiy tells joint Oireachtas sitting
Mr Zelenskiy said it cannot be “business as usual, not appeasement of killers, not the turning of a blind eye to what has happened.”
He said “the aggressor must be held accountable for what was done”.
As he concluded his address to a sustained standing ovation, Mr Zelenskiy appealed to Ireland to “please take an active role in making the tribunal for this aggression a reality”, not just joining but insisting that justice must begin with accountability.
He appealed to Ireland to continue to advocate for every form of sanction against Russia and said it was time for Russian assets to be used to “help defend and rebuild Ukraine”.
As European nations hesitate to use frozen Russian assets because of potential future litigation, Mr Zelenskiy insisted that “this long-overdue decision” to use those assets, “must be implemented”.
He called on “everyone in the world to help return all the children abducted by Russia and all the prisoners still held in Russian jails”, many of them held since 2014 “when Russia launched its hybrid war against US and occupied our country”.
The Ukrainian president said “this has gone one far too long to simply close our eyes and turn the page on Russia without a just peace”.
Great honour to stand in a country that understands the price of freedom, says Zelenskiy
Appealing for continued international support Mr Zelenskiy said that “when you have a true community of nations on your side, you cannot be crushed and your rights can be restored”.
He added: “No one can break the world alone, not even Russia ... no one can lie to the entire world forever, not even Putin.”
“No one can stand against everyone else”, he insisted, Marie O’Halloran reports. “Ukraine is fighting for every community in every region. We are trying to reach every heart to answer every doubt, to counter every accusation with facts.”
Mr Zelenskiy said Ukraine had “managed to unite the majority of the world and that unity has become our main weapons in protecting life”.
He added that “we have kept the world’s attention and that gives us time to resist Russia’s attempts to destroy us.”
The Ukrainian president said that “diplomatic efforts” are the best path forward. Mr Zelenskiy said it is a “great honour for me to stand here today in a country that understand the price of freedom, understands better than many, many in the world and that shares our belief that every voice counts and every nation matters”.
He said to “dear, dear Ireland, please remember that your voice matters from Ireland’s vote at the UN” to “every home in the global Irish community around the world”.
“That’s millions of people who can influence hundreds of millions more when the most powerful apply pressure, the global community helps guid that pressure in the right direction,” he said.
Mr Zelenskiy pointed out that there was no country in the world unaware of what St Patrick’s Day is.
“There should be no capital that does not know that the Irish, together with Ukrainians and many other nations are united for real peace,” he said.
Restoring justice requires community of nations, Zelenskiy tells Dáil
Volodymyr Zelenskiy begins his speech by thanking Ireland for having “stood the test of time”.
He thanked the people for providing home and protection to Ukrainians “when they needed it most once the war broke out”, Marie O’Halloran reports.
The Ukrainian president said Ukrainians and Ireland are among the few in Europe who spent centuries fighting for the right to remain themselves and now “for nearly four years of Russia’s full-scale war against our people, our children, the most devastating war for freedom in Europe since World War II”.
Mr Zelenskiy said that this morning their team had “delivered a full briefing following the meetings in the US” and “we are fully engaged in negotiations and we are stepping up our efforts”.
He said they were looking ahead to “very important meetings today”. There is a “real, real chance but we must seize this chance fully” for peace, he said.
Mr Zelenskiy said that “one strong country can start a war, another strong country can help to stop the war. But to restore justice and defend what’s right, we need a community, a world made up of many different nations”.
He said “it is a community of nations that makes peace truly lasting, geographically large or small, politically influential or playing a different role, economically powerful or not”.
The Ukrainian president added that “when these different voices stand together on the side of justice, on the side of free people, there is only one possible outcome – peace and justice must prevail.”
Ireland is not and never will be morally neutral in the face of atrocity, Ceann Comhairle tells Dáil
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has opened the session of the Joint Houses of the Oireachtas by welcoming Mr Zelenskiy to the Dáil, speaking first in Irish.
She also welcomed first lady Olena Zelenska, “a woman who has become a symbol of Ukrainian dignity and resilience and dignity – a model for women worldwide”.
Ms Murphy said “we gather in solidarity and admiration for you and your people”, Marie O’Halloran reports.
She said war “destroys lives, uproots families and leaves scars that endure for generations.
“War is never a solution and Ireland knows this truth. Our own history teaches that dialogue – however difficult – can bring peace.
“The Good Friday Agreement was born from decades of pain and division, yet it proved that even the deepest wounds can heal when people choose negotiation over violence.”
She said the Dáil and Seanad were meeting “in solemn acknowledgment of the ongoing war against your country; an illegal attack on a sovereign nation, an assault on international law, a violation of human dignity.”
The Ceann Comhairle said that “every missile and bullet has shattered lives. Parents mourn children lost. Families endure displacement and uncertainty. Futures have been stolen.”
The world has watched “in horror as drone attacks escalate, as your country’s infrastructure is ravaged and acts that defy all principles of humanity”.
“The global community must stand united in condemning this war. We must continue to provide refuge. We must provide humanitarian aid. Most of all, we must demand accountability for war crimes.”
Ms Murphy told the Ukrainian president: “As a militarily neutral country, Ireland is not – and never will be – morally neutral in the face of atrocity. Our neutrality is a commitment to peace, not indifference. Together with our EU partners, Ireland will stand firm behind Ukraine to ensure Russia ends its aggression.”
She said Irish people who have “lived the trauma of immigration and war” opened their hearts and homes to thousands of Ukrainians who now live and work in Ireland. “Your people enrich our communities and share their culture, even though their hearts are still with Ukraine.”
She added: “Ireland’s journey to peace was long and arduous, but it succeeded because people persevered in the belief that peace is the only solution. That same possibility exists for Ukraine.
“World leaders would do well to reflect on the powerful words of John F Kennedy, an American president born of Irish emigrants – a man whose family left these very shores from New Ross, my home constituency of Wexford – as he declared with unwavering conviction in his inaugural address: ‘Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.’
“President Zelenskiy, we hope and look forward to the day when Ukraine can celebrate peace. We stand with the Ukrainian people – in solidarity, in friendship, and in hope. May your courage and the strength of your people lead to a just and lasting peace.”
TDs and Senators gave a standing ovation as Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, the Taoiseach’s wife Mary Martin, Ukrainian ambassador Larysa Gerasko and other dignitaries entered the distinguished visitors’ gallery in the Dáil chamber moments ago.
Mr Zelenskiy is due to arrive shortly.
Ireland must push for Ukrainian government to be fully included in ceasefire talks, says Social Democrats
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has said the visit by Mr Zelenskiy provides the people of Ireland with a timely opportunity to reaffirm “our solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine”.
“It’s now approaching four years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine began. With the country under relentless attack from Putin’s murderous regime, the Ukrainian people have lived under horrendous conditions and suffered appalling human rights abuses,” she said.
“In addition to the tens and thousands of Ukrainian troops killed, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recently estimated that at least 4,000 civilians have died and over 37,000 people have been injured since the invasion started.
“Russia’s aggression also resulted in the mass displacement of Ukraine’s population, with Ireland welcoming around 120,000 Ukrainians who have made – and continue to make – an invaluable contribution to Irish society. We must continue to support them.”
Ms Cairns said Ireland must advocate for members of the Ukrainian government to be fully included in ceasefire negotiations, with a view to securing an outcome that is “just, sustainable and in the interests of the people of Ukraine”.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also said his visit to Ireland comes at “one of the most challenging yet optimistic moments”.
He said that the Ukrainian delegation gathered in Dublin this morning to consider 20 points on the peace plan agreed in Ukraine.
Mr Zelenskiy said although Ireland is a neutral country, “it is most certainly not an indifferent country”. He said his hope is that Ukraine will be an EU member in the next five years, and thanked Ireland for support in this and in sanctions of Russia.
“It is high time” to transfer frozen assets, he added.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland supports the utilisation of frozen Russian assets and a European Commission proposal of a loan for Ukraine collateralised on the assets.
“There has to be a deterrence against such behaviour into the future,” he said. “There has to be accountability.”
Mr Martin said the European taxpayer cannot be left with the bill for reconstructing Ukraine.
“I hope the [December EU council meeting] will come to a conclusion,” he said, reiterating Irish support for the EU commission proposals.
‘We can simply talk or we can work to bring an end to war’ – president Volodymyr Zelenskiy
President Zelenskiy has expressed gratitude to every Irish home that has sheltered Ukrainians at Government Buildings.
He said there will be a meeting of the American delegation in Russia and Ukraine will be waiting for “signals” from them. If those signals are going to work with fair play they will perhaps meet with the US delegation, he said.
“We need results. Every day our people are dying,” he added. The Ukrainian president said “we can simply talk or we can work to bring an end to war”.
Ireland will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, says Taoiseach
Speaking at Government Buildings, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said president Zelenskiy’s visit comes at “a critical moment for Ukraine and for Europe”.
“President Putin has shown a complete indifference to the value of human life ... he seeks to gain an advantage at the negotiating table by intensifying Russia’s onslaught,” he said.
Mr Martin said Ireland will continue to support the people of Ukraine for “as long as it takes”.
“Peace will come to Ukraine. I profoundly hope that day will be soon,” he said. The Fianna Fáil leader added that one of the most important guarantees of Ukraine’s future liberty is membership of the EU.
Prospect of peace and role Ireland could play as neutral country discussed by President Connolly and Zelenskiy
The meeting between President Catherine Connolly and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy focused on the prospects for peace in Ukraine and the role that Ireland could play as a neutral country.
In a statement, President Connolly’s office said a private meeting took place between the two Heads of State, accompanied by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska and was followed by a meeting with the two delegations.
“Today’s meeting was the first such opportunity for the two presidents. Their discussions included the prospects for peace in Ukraine and the role that Ireland could play as a neutral country in securing a fair, just and enduring peace,” it said.
“They also discussed the contribution of the Ukrainian community in Ireland and the significant similarities in the histories of both countries. President Connolly was also interested to discuss the question of the enforced transfer of children from Ukraine and food security. She paid tribute to the advocacy of the First Lady, Ms Zelenska regarding issues such as mental health.”
Russia will not stop in Ukraine while stakes for Europe are very high, says Labour TD
The Labour Party has said Russia “will not stop” in Ukraine and the stakes for Europe are “very high”.
Speaking in advance of an address by president Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Houses of the Oireachtas, the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, Deputy Duncan Smith, said:
“Today’s sitting is an opportunity to listen to the Ukrainian president as he outlines the horror inflicted on his country and his people by Russia’s dictatorial regime. It is also an opportunity that the Labour Party will take to affirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their struggle against brutality and authoritarianism.
“In the face of ongoing aggression by Russia, the Ukrainian people continue to display immense bravery and resilience. We are now nearly four years into this war, a war that has shattered lives, displaced families and fundamentally changed the political landscape in Europe.
“The stakes for Europe are very high. We need to be clear that Russia will not stop in Ukraine. This is what our friends and allies in the Baltics believe to be true, and it is what we see in Russia’s interference in other parts of Europe through its hybrid tactics. We have a moral duty to stand with our allies in Europe, including Ukraine.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has greeted president Zelenskiy at Government Buildings. The Ukrainian president is due to address a joint special sitting of the Oireachtas later.
Zelenskiy visit underlines urgent need for international efforts to be focused on ending war
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that today’s visit to Ireland by president Zelenskiy underlines the continuing human cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the urgent need for all international efforts to be focused on ending the war and achieving a just and lasting peace.
Speaking this morning, Ms McDonald said:
“President Zelenskiy’s visit comes at a critical moment in this terrible war. Almost four years on from Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian people continue to endure devastating loss, displacement and suffering.
“Sinn Féin stands firmly with the people of Ukraine and supports their right to sovereignty, freedom and self-determination.
“This conflict has exacted a shocking human toll. Millions have been forced from their homes, entire communities devastated and far too many lives lost.”
Ms McDonald said the priority of the international community must be the protection of civilians, the upholding of international law, and “meaningful diplomatic efforts” to end the war and bring about a sustainable and just peace.
“Ireland is respected internationally, as a military neutral, for its voice on peace, human rights and international law. That voice must be used constructively and consistently – to promote ceasefires, support humanitarian relief, and to push relentlessly for diplomacy to replace war,” she added.
“Sinn Féin will continue to advocate for peace, for the protection of civilians, and for a political resolution that upholds international law. War can never be allowed to become normal.”
Ukraine values its friendship with Ireland and is committed to deepening our co-operation, says President Zelenskiy
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has written in the visitor book at Áras an Uachtaráin that is a “great honour” to visit Ireland and be received by President Connolly.
“On behalf of the people of Ukraine, I express my sincere gratitude for Ireland’s steadfast support during our fight against Russian aggression,” he said.
President Zelenskiy added: “We greatly appreciate Ireland’s generosity in providing temporary shelter to displaced Ukrainians.
“Ukraine values its friendship with Ireland and is committed to deepening our co-operation in pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is received by President Catherine Connolly and signs the visitor book at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska is visiting Trinity College Dublin and will do a tour of the book of Kells, visit the Long Library and sign the distinguished visitors book.
She will be accompanied by the Taoiseach’s wife Mary Martin, Marie O’Halloran reports. The visit to the university will take place while the press conference between Micheál Martin and president Volodymyr Zelenskiy takes place at Government buildings.
Traffic restrictions will be in place on Chesterfield Avenue in Phoenix Park between 10am and 1pm.
Roads will be restricted around Government Buildings and Leinster House from 11am, including on Kildare Street, Merrion Street and Merrion Square. Traffic around Stephen’s Green and Leeson Street will be affected from 3.30pm.
Gardaí say the public can also expect other Dublin road closures, particularly in the city centre, to facilitate security escorts over the day.
The deployment of European peacekeepers to Ukraine should be a “fundamental” part of any deal to end the war with Russia, a senior adviser in Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s office has said in advance of the Ukrainian president’s visit to Ireland.
Mykhailo Podolyak urged Europe to be braver and bolder in confronting Russia, and said US president Donald Trump’s “historical reputation” would suffer if he failed to force the Kremlin to negotiate an end to its invasion and Europe’s heaviest fighting since the second World War.
Read the full report from Daniel McLaughlin in Kyiv here.
Adi Roche, the founder and chief executive of Chernobyl Children International, has been invited to attend president Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s address in Leinster House later today by the Ukrainian government.
Ms Roche’s invitation comes in recognition of her humanitarian work supporting the victims and survivors of Chernobyl in Ukraine that has spanned 40 years and continues to this day.
Ms Roche led the humanitarian first response to the Chernobyl disaster back in 1986, which resulted in the founding of the charity. It has delivered more than €108 million worth of humanitarian aid and programmes to the victims of the disaster in the affected regions.
President Zelenskiy will make a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly in Áras an Uachtaráin this morning, and later this afternoon will make a special address to both Houses of the Oireachtas at 3.45pm.
He is also expected to attend the launch of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, and meet representatives of the large Ukrainian community based in Ireland.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy touched down in Dublin late on Monday night ahead of a full day of engagements.
He and Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, were greeted on the tarmac at Dublin Airport by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne.
Elsewhere, US envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to Moscow to meet president Vladimir Putin, who claimed a key Ukrainian city had fallen to Russia on the eve of the talks about a potential peace plan to end his war.
Mr Putin said Russian troops had taken the city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region in a video announcement posted late on Monday by the Kremlin.
Ukraine has not commented so far on the claim, which would represent Russia’s most significant battlefield advance in nearly two years.
Read the full report here.
Good morning. The Government is set to announce extra support for Ukraine today as its president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, makes his first official visit to Ireland.
A major security operation is in place in Dublin for the visit, with road closures, a drone no-fly zone and many people who work in the Houses of the Oireachtas told they will not have access for the day.
Mr Zelenskiy will address the Oireachtas this afternoon.
Follow irishtimes.com for updates throughout the day.
