Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday. He restated Irish Solidarity for the Ukrainian cause
The Irish Taoiseach (PM) Micheál Martin arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday. Soon he spoke with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and restated his support for Ukraine.
“ We are grateful and we will remember this always as matter of principle, and the gesture of solidarity towards our people,” Zelensky said in a press conference with PM Martin. “Our Irish friends fully appreciate the threat Russian aggression poses against Ukraine and the whole democratic world”, he added.
Ireland Supports Ukrainian Membership to the EU
“ I want to thank you for your remarkable leadership. Russia’s brutal war against this beautiful democratic country is a gross violation of International law,” Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin also supported fastracking Ukraine’s membership of the EU. “ I have always made clear from the outset our strong view that Ukraine belongs to the EU. The values that people are fighting for and dying for today are European values” he added.
Taoiseach Martin’s Visit to War torn Ukraine.
After his meeting with President Zelensky, Mr Martin went to see Borodyanka, on the outskirts of Kyiv. Russians had shelled this town during their attack on Kyiv. There Mr Martin met the town’s mayor and saw burnt apartments blocks in the vicinity. And then he visited a mass grave in Bucha. Russian forces had occupied Bucha at the start of war. A cleric there showed him pictures of dead civilians and exhumed bodies. the Irish delegation also visited Irpin.
“ It is difficult to comprehend the devastation and inhumanity of Russia’s attacks on Irpin, Borodyanka and Bucha. Clear how important it is for women and children to get to Ireland to escape trauma and brutality. And we stand with Ukraine, “Mr Martin said.
So far Ireland has given more than 36,000 refugees asylum after Russia invaded Ukraine.
(Inputs, BBC)
