Ireland is “open” to the idea of participating in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week.
In a phonecall last night, Martin told Zelensky that Ireland stands ready to support Ukraine through “the provision of non-lethal military assistance” and with “our openness to taking part in any appropriately mandated peacekeeping mission in line with the UN Charter.”
The Department of the Taoiseach confirmed on Monday that the two leaders spoke by phone, with Martin outlining Ireland’s willingness to consider a role in peacekeeping operations.
Notably, this statement comes shortly after the UN announced that its long-running mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, will conclude in 2027. That deployment has been central to Ireland’s international military role since 1978, with thousands of Defence Forces personnel serving in southern Lebanon over nearly fifty years.
Its closure could reduce the opportunities for Irish troops to take part in active overseas service unless new missions are established.
Martin also used the call to reaffirm what he described as Ireland’s “steadfast support” for Ukraine and offered condolences following the death of 23 people in recent Russian strikes on Kiev, including four children. The attacks also damaged the EU Delegation building in the city.
“The deliberate targeting of civilians, as we have seen in Kiev, is a war crime,” he said.
“I extended my deep condolences to President Zelenskyy for the devastating loss of life, especially of children.”
He added that the conversation provided an opportunity to review international diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire.
“I expressed my view that recent attacks by Russia are a clear demonstration that President Putin is not interested in peace, despite the efforts of the international community to advance negotiations,” he said.
Both leaders also agreed on the importance of increasing pressure on Russia through further EU sanctions. Martin said he looked forward to meeting Zelenskyy in New York later this month during the UN High-Level Week.
“We both hoped that it would be used as an opportunity to make progress towards just and sustainable peace for Ukraine,” he said.