Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Ireland for its "unwavering support for our people, for Ukraine, for our defence".
Speaking alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin following their bilateral meeting at Government Buildings, Mr Zelensky said: "Ireland has always shown a full understanding of what's happening in Ukraine, and most importantly, of just how unjust Russia’s aggression is against all of us, against Ukraine, and against normal, peaceful life, peaceful life in Europe."
He said he had briefed Mr Martin on the current situation in Ukraine and the difficulty in restoring its infrastructure.
"I’m grateful for the willingness to help Ukraine and for the support packages. All of these packages are extremely important," he said.
"This war is in Ukraine, and ending this war without Europe's participation would be unjust, and it would be impossible," he said.
Ukraine deserves 'just and lasting peace' - Taoiseach
Mr Martin described the meeting, which comes ahead of the European Political Community meeting in Dublin tomorrow, as coming at "such an important time for Ukraine".
He noted it is Mr Zelensky's third visit to Ireland within 12 months, and said that showed the "enduring strength of the partnership between our two countries and the friendship between the Irish and Ukrainian solidified by the thousands of Ukrainians who have made Ireland their home for now".
Mr Martin said Europe's leaders are gathering in Dublin to "advance the security, stability, and prosperity of our continent".
He condemned "Russia’s continuing aggression targeting Ukraine’s towns and cities", recalling what he saw during his visit in July.
"It is barbarous, and it is vile, and I once again offer my heartfelt solidarity to the people of Ukraine and my undying admiration for your unwavering resolve, resilience, and bravery," he said.
"They may be tired of war, but they remain standing tall and unbroken despite all that they have faced. They deserve our support. They deserve our help to keep their economy and society going. Most of all, they deserve a just and lasting peace."
Mr Zelensky also said that he was prepared for co-production of drones with Ireland.
The Taoiseach said Ireland was looking at a memorandum with Ukraine on drone manufacture, given Ukrainian expertise on drone technology - especially for unmanned drones in respect of maritime security.
He said that work was ongoing.
Zelensky prepared for co-production of drones with Ireland
The Taoiseach said Mr Zelensky had briefed him on the peace talks in the UAE, and also on the situation on the ground in Ukraine.
"We are agreed that any peace agreement must recognise the sovereignty of Ukraine and its territorial integrity, as well as the right of the people of Ukraine to determine their own future," he added.
"I have long said that it is my strong belief that Ukraine's future is within the European Union. We have put Ukraine at the heart of our European Union presidency programme."
Mr Zelensky said there could be a "window of opportunity" to reach a breakthrough in talks to end the war with Russia before 2027.
"Today there really is this opportunity, this window of opportunity, when all those participants who are now engaged in the negotiation process, genuinely want to achieve a result before 2027," he said.
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Zelensky to meet US envoys in Dublin as peace talks continue
The Ukrainian president said the trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi have included proposals for a prisoner exchange, as well as security exchanges, and that he expected to meet with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Dublin tomorrow, by the end of the day.
Mr Zelensky said he expects to get reaction from the Russian side to the issues that were raised, and described a possibility to exchange 1,000-1,200 prisoners of war.
"That would be a very positive thing, and I don't see any reasons for Russia to not accept that proposal," he said.
"A second thing that was discussed was security guarantees. Several formats of security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed."
"It’s not the first time that this issue has been raised, but the sides have engaged in more detailed dialogue on this issue."
Kushner says US envoys will 'try to make progress' with Putin and Zelensky
Mr Kushner and Mr Witkoff were at the talks in Abu Dhabi today as Ukraine and Russia finished their second day of US-brokered negotiations.
Mr Kushner said the pair would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow tomorrow before they meet with Mr Zelensky.
Mr Kushner said the meeting with President Putin would "go over what was discussed today and try to make more progress on some of the issues that we discussed because we see some openings".
"After that we're going to fly to Dublin and we're going to be with President Zelensky to debrief with him and further explore some of the ideas that we came up with here today."
Mr Zelensky said that he hoped the US officials will return from their meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin with "specifics".
President Zelensky will attend the EPC meeting at the National Convention Centre tomorrow, which is hosted by the Taoiseach.
There will also be an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday at the same venue.
The EPC was was established in 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to provide an arena for political dialogue where leaders can address issues of common interest.
It is understood President Zelensky will leave Ireland tomorrow night.
Traffic restrictions and road closures around Dublin increased significantly today because of the gatherings.
There were rolling road closures between Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome and the city centre, with the greatest disruption expected on these routes in the afternoon and evening, from 1pm and 11pm.
A security cordon has been in place around the National Gallery on Merrion Square since 7am this morning.
Restrictions around the Convention Centre were also extended this evening, resulting in the closure of the Samuel Beckett Bridge from 8pm.
Traffic and parking restrictions will also be imposed around hotels associated with the meetings in north and south Dublin.
Read more:
What is happening this week for Ireland's EU Presidency?
Dublin traffic restrictions set to ramp up ahead of EU Presidency meetings
Additional reporting: Juliette Gash, AFP, Reuters
Source: RTÉ News
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