Taoiseach Micheál Martin attends leaders’ meeting of the Coalition of Willing in support of Ukraine
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 13 Lúnasa 2025
Taoiseach Micheál Martin attended today (Wednesday) an online leaders’ meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine. The meeting was convened by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. It met ahead of the US-Russia Summit taking place in Alaska on Friday (15 August).
Speaking after the meeting, the Taoiseach said:
“At a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, I joined my fellow leaders of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss recent developments and the ongoing engagement with our US partners ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Putin. We also heard from President Zelenskyy who briefed us on the situation on the ground in Ukraine and the needs of Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression.
“The initiative of President Trump towards ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace was warmly welcomed. We agreed that unity is vital and that close transatlantic coordination will continue as part of our efforts to secure a ceasefire and a durable peace.
“Recalling the EU leaders’ statement of 12 August, there was agreement that the people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future and that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. Any diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine and Europe’s security. It was also agreed that any meaningful negotiations on a just and lasting peace should be preceded by a ceasefire.
“We committed to continue to provide political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine. There was also agreement to maintain pressure on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, including through the use of sanctions and other economic measures.
“This is also a critical time for international security. In the year when we mark its 80th anniversary, we must recommit ourselves to the primacy of the UN Charter. We cannot accept that international borders can be changed by force. For all our security, there must be respect for international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“I also believe that the human dimension must be a key component of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The Ukrainian children abducted by Russia must be returned to their families and communities.
“Ireland will continue to support Ukraine, both bilaterally and through the EU, on its path towards EU membership and in its efforts to achieve a just and durable peace.”
ENDS