There can be no progress in securing a peace agreement and bringing an end to the war in Ukraine without European input, the Irish premier has said.
The conflict in Ukraine dominated a major political summit in Dublin as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned European leaders of Russiaâs desire to reshape the security framework of the continent.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the EU is âpotentially in a processâ on negotiations in finding a peace agreement in Ukraine.
He made the comments as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to meet Mr Zelensky in Dublin on Thursday evening following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day.
In an address to the European Political Community meeting â the largest ever political and diplomatic event held in Ireland â Mr Zelensky said it was important that Europe has a regular place at the negotiating table amid continued efforts to end the war.
Speaking after the conclusion of the EPC, Mr Martin rejected assertions that Europeâs exclusion from the meeting with Mr Zelensky reflects Americaâs role as decision-makers on peace in Ukraine.
He said: âI 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.
âIn fact, there was a very specific meeting â the Friends of Ukraine group who met â and there is no question that the European Union and indeed the wider European political community has through its support of Ukraine been indispensable.
âPresident Zelensky made this point that the US and Russia know that there can be no progress in terms of the European situation or European security or long-term resolution of this issue without European input.
âWithout 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.
âWe are now potentially in a process on negotiations.
âI think the Americans accept there should be a European voice at the table.
âThe purpose of tonightâs meeting is to debrief President Zelensky in terms of the meeting today between President Putin, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and we will await the outcome of that.
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âThere is a further meeting next week in Berlin of the coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine, which, from the get-go, I think has been a very significant and impactful initiative led by the UK, France, and Germany.â
President of the European Council Antonio Costa said Russia had âdecided to undermineâ European security âby force, culminating in the invasion of Ukraineâ.
Speaking at a press conference at the Convention Centre in the Irish capital, he said: âAs 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.
âFirst of all Ukraine is a sovereign nation, like any other nation in Europe, it must be free to choose its alliances and its…
