Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.kyivpost.com
Ireland will work with European partners to secure Ukraine’s financing for 2027 and maintain sanctions pressure on Russia, Prime Minister Micheál Martin said Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin ahead of Thursday’s European Political Community summit, Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“We are working to ensure that Ukraine has access to the finance it needs to defend itself against Russia’s illegal aggression,” Martin said.
“The disbursement of the Ukraine support loan is positive, and we are working with partners to ensure it has the funds it will need for 2027 also.”
Martin previously warned that Ukraine’s financing requirements for 2027 could reach approximately €70 billion ($77.6 billion), despite the EU’s €90 billion ($99.8 billion) support loan.
Ireland backs tougher sanctions against Russia
Martin also highlighted the EU’s 21st sanctions package and a separate round of restrictive measures targeting nearly 1,600 Russian individuals and entities.
The listings target companies and individuals connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex, including suppliers supporting Moscow’s weapons production.
According to the Irish government, the October measures targeted 1,569 individuals and entities, including 826 Russian companies and 743 executives.
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“We stand ready to do more to maintain pressure on Russia through robust sanctions,” Martin said.
Zelensky urged European governments to intensify restrictions on businesses helping Russia obtain foreign components, machinery and equipment used to manufacture ballistic missiles and attack drones.
“Restricting Russia’s weapons production is one of the best ways to push Russia toward genuine dialogue and real steps toward peace,” Zelensky said.
He stressed that sanctions must remain in place until Russia ends its aggression.
Ireland joins coalition to build shelters in Ukraine
Zelensky also announced that Ireland had agreed to participate in an international coalition supporting the construction of protective shelters for Ukrainian civilians.
“We agreed that Ireland will join the coalition for shelters,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president said the initiative was being coordinated with Finland and would be discussed further with European partners during Thursday’s meetings in Dublin.
He thanked Ireland for its assistance, including support packages intended to help Ukraine withstand Russian strikes on its infrastructure.
Martin condemned Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy facilities, recalling the destruction he witnessed during his visit to Kyiv in July.
“It is barbarous, and it is vile,” he said.
The Irish leader also reaffirmed his government’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership, pledging to work toward opening the remaining accession negotiating clusters before Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union ends in December.
“Both as Ireland and as Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we will continue to support Ukraine,” Martin said.
