Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said there can be no progress in securing a peace agreement and ending the war in Ukraine without European input. His comments came as the conflict dominated a major political summit in Dublin, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned European leaders of Russia's desire to reshape the security framework of the continent.
EU 'potentially in a process' on negotiations
Speaking after the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting, Mr Martin said the EU is "potentially in a process" on negotiations in finding a peace agreement in Ukraine. He rejected assertions that Europe's exclusion from a meeting with Mr Zelensky reflects America's role as decision-makers on peace in Ukraine.
Mr Martin said: "I think the presence of Volodymyr Zelensky at the EPC underpins the value for Ukraine of the European Political Community and the sense of solidarity, support that he has received from many of the countries around the table today."
He added: "Without question, if you look at financial supports, EPC member countries and defence and military support from many members of the EPC is indispensable to Ukraine. We are now potentially in a process on negotiations. I think the Americans accept there should be a European voice at the table."
Zelensky meets US envoys in Dublin
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were set to meet Mr Zelensky in Dublin on Thursday evening following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day. Mr Martin said the purpose of the meeting was to debrief President Zelensky on the talks with Putin, Witkoff and Kushner.
In an address to the EPC, Mr Zelensky said it was important that Europe has a regular place at the negotiating table amid continued efforts to end the war. He also expressed concern at the latest speed restrictions on SpaceX's Starshield satellite internet service over occupied parts of Ukraine where Russian drone attacks are launched from, saying the 100mph restriction was limiting Ukraine's ability to take out fast-moving jet-powered drones.
European leaders stress principles
President of the European Council Antonio Costa said Russia had "decided to undermine" European security "by force, culminating in the invasion of Ukraine". He said: "As the pace of diplomacy accelerated, it is important to recall that the lasting peace needs to be a just peace, and the just peace, a peace that allows for security in Europe to be restored needs to be anchored in clear principles."
French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe's support for Ukraine was critical because "there is no more US support". He said: "Without Europeans, there is no support for Ukraine. Let's be honest. But look at the coalition of the willing. You have here today in Ireland probably 80% or 90% of the contribution of this coalition of the willing. It's 100% of the support to Ukraine."
Around 50 heads of state as well as senior European Union officials attended the EPC, which was held in Dublin as part of Ireland's six-month presidency of the EU Council. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also attended, co-chairing a security and defence roundtable focused on Ukraine.
