Zelensky visits Ireland as Ukraine faces growing US pressure for peace deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will have a number of engagements during the visit to Ireland (PA) Kirsty Wigglesworth

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is making his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday at what Irish leaders call a "critical time" for Ukraine and Europe. The visit comes as peace talks to end the nearly four-year war intensify, with the Ukrainian leader under growing pressure from the United States to sign a peace deal.

Zelensky and Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska will meet Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, hold a courtesy call with newly-inaugurated President Catherine Connolly, and attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum. The economic forum aims to strengthen business-to-business, trade and investment links between the two countries.

The timing underscores the delicate diplomatic moment Ukraine faces. Representatives from the US, Russia and Ukraine held peace talks last week in the United Arab Emirates.

Days before the Ireland visit, Ukraine's chief negotiator and Zelensky's chief of staff Andrii Yermak resigned from his negotiator role. Anti-corruption investigators searched his residence on Friday.

Donald Trump said peace talks are "going along well" while his special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow. After four hours of talks between Trump's representatives and Ukrainian officials in Florida, Zelensky described the discussions as "constructive" with "some preliminary results"

Ireland's support for Ukraine

Martin welcomed the visit on Monday, stating: "It is an honour to welcome President Zelensky and the first lady to Ireland," He praised the Ukrainian president as someone who "around the world, [...] is rightly recognised as someone who embodies the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia."

The Irish premier emphasized his country's commitment, stating: "The president's visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing." Martin said he looks forward to "discussing with President Zelensky the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible."

Ireland has welcomed over 120,000 Ukrainians seeking refuge since February 2022, with approximately 80,000 estimated to still be living in the country. Martin said the refugees have "[...] made a great contribution to our society through their hard work and vibrant culture, becoming valued members of our communities."

The Irish government is also committed to accelerating Ukraine's journey toward EU membership, including during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee are scheduled to attend the economic forum inauguration.

Zelensky last visited Ireland in February for a refuelling stop at Shannon Airport en route to Washington DC. In April 2022, he delivered what was described as a historic address to the Irish parliament, asserting that Ireland had not been neutral regarding the "disaster" Russia had brought to Ukraine.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).