President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar during the Wednesday, July 19, meeting discussed the next package of EU sanctions against Russia, the 12th round to be brought against the Kremlin, according to Zelensky’s Office on July 19. Talks centered around combating Russia’s missile production ability, sanctioning Rosatom representatives and Ireland’s assistance in rebuilding Ukraine.
Zelensky said that the Irish Taoiseach and his delegation began their visit to Ukraine with trips to Moshchun, Bucha, and the Romanivsky Bridge in the Kyiv region. They witnessed firsthand the devastating aftermath of Russian aggression.
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The President expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the people of Ireland for their support in providing shelter to Ukrainians displaced by the war. He emphasized that Ireland has generously welcomed 86 thousand Ukrainian refugees, offering them accommodation, financial assistance, access to education, and medical care.
During their meeting, the parties delved into discussions concerning security and political cooperation, exploring collaborative measures to fortify Ukraine's defense against further Russian aggression.
“Ireland has already provided us with non-lethal assistance worth more than 170 million euros – thank you very much to Mr. Taoiseach – and has actively engaged in the demining process, which is also one of our priorities today,” Zelensky said.
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Zelensky and Varadkar engaged in discussions about establishing a just compensation mechanism that would direct the assets of the Russian aggressor towards reimbursing Ukraine for the damages caused.
The two leaders deliberated on the 12th package of EU sanctions against Russia, with a focus on prioritizing measures that would hinder the aggressor’s ability to continue missile production. Additionally, they considered imposing personal sanctions against representatives of the Rosatom leadership.
Food security was another crucial aspect that received significant attention during the negotiations.
“Ireland has supported the Black Sea Grain Initiative and our ‘Grain from Ukraine’ humanitarian program...” said Zelensky.
“Together we must do everything possible to ensure that the global food market remains stable despite Russia’s obvious attempts to provoke new crises and use hunger and destabilization as a weapon.”
Leo Varadkar, on his part, offered an assurance that Ireland would stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary, pledging continued financial, practical, and political support.
“Ukraine will win, Ukraine will recover and be rebuilt,” said Varadkar. “We will provide practical and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine to realize its goals and implement the peace plan.”
The Irish PM expressed confidence that Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union and praised Ukraine’s progress on the path to European integration
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