Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that Ukraine could join the EU, a matter which could be settled before the end of the war as the Government launches the bloc's Presidency in Dublin today.
This comes as Ukrainian president, Voldymyr Zelenksy arrives in Ireland ahead of the launch of Ireland's six month EU presidency. His visit which came following an invitation from the Taoiseach, reflects continued EU solidarity with Ukraine, following Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Tánaiste, Simon Harris is to greet Mr Zelenksy at Baldonnel Aerodrome before they travel to Dublin Castle for the launch. The Ukrainian President is to be commended by Mr Harris for his courage and the resilience of his country's people, saying their example will help Ireland throughout this presidency.
The Government are also expected to once again emphasis their commitment to strengthening economic ties via the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, which was announced by Mr Zelenksy's visit last December.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is to meet Ukrainian president, Voldomyr Zelenksy in Dublin today. Credit: Shutterstock.
During his last visit, Mr Zelenksy had also made an address to a joint sitting at the Oireachtas.
In a recent interview with RTÉ Radio, Mr Martin said that Ukraine's membership within the EU could be confirmed amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
However, this visit could be viewed by political opponents as a move by the Government to scrap the Triple Lock on oversees deployment of members of the Irish Defence Forces.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that Ireland would be open to any request for peacekeeping troops in eastern Ukraine in the event of any permanent solution to this war.
