Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been urged by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue to put pressure on Russia in a 20 minute phone call between the two leaders.
It’s understood Mr Martin told President Zelenskyy that everyone in Ireland admired his “great leadership” in the face of an immoral war on the people of Ukraine.
Mr Martin said Ireland would show “our support in any way that we could.”
The Taoiseach spoke to President Zelenskyy from Washington ahead of his meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday.
It’s understood President Zelenskyy was very appreciative of support from Ireland, the visa waiver, St Patrick’s Day show of solidarity, €20m aid and other contributions to the EU peace facility.
He also urged that the EU keeps pressure on Russia to which the Taoiseach told him Ireland is behind Ukraine’s EU membership hopes.
Mr Martin said: “I told him the Irish people stand fully behind Ukraine.
“From the people of Ireland, the admiration of you and your people is very high.
“We as a government reflect that.
“They are behind you.
“He thanked us for our humanitarian aid, shelter, global support and sanctions against Russia.
Mr Martin also said President Zelenskyy offered his sympathy to the family of Irish journalist Pierre Zakrzewski who was killed in Ukraine while working for Fox News.
