The meeting between Mr. Martin and Mr. Zelensky emphasized Ireland's strong support for Ukrainian EU membership, highlighting its importance for security and economic opportunities. Mr. Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Ireland for its commitment and mentioned the challenges posed by Hungary's veto on EU funding initiatives. Mr. Martin noted that they discussed ways to provide financial assistance, especially to support initiatives like school meal programs. Additionally, Zelensky's upcoming visit to the US was described as a critical step in bolstering international support and seeking a potential peace settlement.
We made it clear that we would push very strongly for an accelerated timeline in terms of Ukrainian membership of the European Union. He's very keen on that.
It's a priority because, in itself, it gives certain security guarantees to Ukraine, but economically also it opens up very significant opportunities for Ukraine into the future.
I explained that our commitments under the European Peace Facility have been frustrated by Hungary's decision to veto the deployment of the European Peace Facility fund.
Mr Zelensky is very focused on having Europe centrally involved in a potential peace settlement.
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