Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opened the European Political Community summit in Dublin by warning European leaders that Russia aims to reshape the security framework of the continent. The conflict in Ukraine dominated the start of the largest political and diplomatic event ever held in Ireland.
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 about the latest speed restrictions on SpaceX's Starshield satellite internet service over occupied parts of Ukraine where Russian drone attacks are launched from.
Starshield restrictions and security guarantees
Speaking at the summit at the Convention Centre Dublin, Mr Zelensky said the 100mph restriction was limiting Ukraine's ability to take out fast-moving jet-powered drones. "This means more Russian strikes get through, and more of our people are killed, our civilians are killed by Russia," he said.
"We are trying to get the details from the American side, but so far we know very little. But some things are already clear. If someone in America is making decisions that basically treat Ukrainian territory as if it is not Ukrainian, then this tells us where things are going. We need to be clear and never recognise Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territory in any way."
Mr Zelensky also addressed the issue of security guarantees, saying Europe needs to pay attention. He noted that when Americans and Russians talk about this, it is not just about security guarantees for Ukraine but about a new security framework between Europe and Russia. He described this approach as "a bit strange", recalling that for 30 years after the Soviet Union collapsed, Europe treated Russia well and tried to have as much trade and co-operation as possible.
European leaders voice support
French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe's support for Ukraine was critical because "there is no more US support". He told reporters it was up to Europe to define the future of its own security.
"It's important today what we do with Ukraine and to clearly keep supporting them," he said. "I think it is very important as well to endorse very clear principles and commitments as Europeans in this wider Europe, which is this European Political Community, in order to make sure that we design, ourselves, our own security principles and our own architecture of security."
Irish premier Micheál Martin, opening the plenary meeting, reiterated the continent's support for Ukraine. "The people of Ukraine deserve a just and lasting peace," he said. "They deserve to determine their own future. They have shown themselves to be brave and strong beyond measure, and it is long past time for Russia to stop this immoral war."
Meetings and summit context
The summit follows Wednesday's talks between delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the US in Abu Dhabi. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were set to meet Mr Zelensky in Dublin later on Thursday evening following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day.
Commenting on his scheduled meeting with Mr Kushner and Mr Witkoff, Mr Zelensky told the EPC: "We will talk with them about the results of these negotiations over the past few days and it is very good that Europeans are now part of these talks, not directly yet, and not yet when the Russians are at the table, but Europeans are already involved, and we need to make sure that Europe becomes a regular part of these negotiations. From what I have heard from our delegation, the talks were serious, not empty."
Around 50 heads of state and senior European Union officials attended the EPC, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz among those arriving amid the biggest security operation in the history of the Irish state. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was due to arrive later after attending the UN Cop31 climate conference in Turkey. At the meeting, Mr Burnham was expected to announce further sanctions against Russia, discuss hybrid threats to European security, co-chair a security and defence roundtable, attend a Ukraine meeting, and hold bilateral talks. The summit is part of Ireland's six-month presidency of the EU Council.
