“Today’s historic visit by President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska 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.
“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.
“President Zelenskyy’s visit today comes at a defining moment in his country’s history, with a peace process now under way. 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.”
ENDS
December 2, 2025