Ireland Open to Sending Peacekeepers to Ukraine, PM Martin Confirms After Meeting Zelenskyy

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Shannon Airport on Thursday, as the Ukrainian leader made a brief stop on his way to the United States, the Irish Examiner reported on February 27.

During their meeting, Martin and Zelenskyy discussed Ireland’s continued support for Ukraine, including financial aid and a push for an accelerated timeline for Ukraine’s EU membership.

Speaking after the meeting, Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to helping Ukraine join the European Union.

Martin also confirmed that Ireland is open to helping Ukraine in various capacities, including potentially sending peacekeepers.

Following the meeting, Zelenskyy announced that Ireland will provide Ukraine with Giraffe radar systems, which are designed to work alongside RBS-70, RBS-90, and Skyguard short-range air defense systems and have a detection range of up to 75 km.

“We made it clear that we would push very strongly for an accelerated timeline in terms of Ukrainian membership of the European Union. He’s very keen on that,” Martin said.

“It’s a priority because, in itself, it gives certain security guarantees to Ukraine, but economically also it opens up very significant opportunities for Ukraine into the future.”

However, he acknowledged that Hungary’s veto has hindered Ireland’s financial commitments under the European Peace Facility.

“We are looking at alternative approaches to give financial aid to Ukraine, and a number of ideas came up during the meeting,” he said.

One such initiative is supporting Ukraine’s school meal program, which is currently limited in scope. Ireland has committed to assisting with this effort and will work with Ukrainian officials to implement it.

According to Martin, Zelenskyy is “very focused” on ensuring Europe plays a central role in any future peace settlement.

“He values very much the support he has received from the United States, a very strong partner to Ukraine,” Martin said, describing the meeting as warm and constructive.

He added that Zelenskyy is looking forward to his visit to Washington, emphasizing that the engagement itself is a positive step.

Earlier, Ukraine and Ireland signed a bilateral Agreement on Security Cooperation.

As part of the 10-year agreement, Ireland has pledged an additional €128 million ($140 million) in non-lethal military support and at least €40 million ($44 million) in humanitarian aid for Ukraine for this year.