Irish PM pledges more financial support for Ukraine

The taoiseach (Irish prime minister) has said the Republic of Ireland will "contribute more financially" to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself from Russia.

Micheál Martin was speaking via videolink to international leaders who have gathered in Kiev on the third anniversary of the Russia invasion.

Mr Martin was addressing a conference led by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"We do need to say more, we do need to spend more and we need to do more," the taoiseach said.

"Ireland will contribute more financially on all fronts and in all areas, and will strengthen our commitment on that front."

Mr Martin also said that Russia must not be rewarded for its invasion of Ukraine.

The conference was held against a backdrop of controversial US-Russia talks aimed at ending the three-year conflict.

Zelensky was not invited to the peace talks in Saudi Arabia and last week US President Donald Trump called him a "dictator without elections".

In contrast, many Western leaders, including Mr Martin, have been expressing their support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

The taoiseach also posted a video on social media in which he paid tribute to Ukraine's "heroic" defence efforts and pledged "steadfast" support from Ireland.

"Three years on from the launch of Russia's barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion it is important that we continue to highlight what is happening on our continent," he said.

Mr Martin added that in spite of having "endured unimaginable violence and suffering" Ukrainians had shown "inspirational resolve and determination".

"Today, we honour their heroic efforts to defend their country," the taoiseach said.

"We recognise that as Ukrainians defend their nation, they are defending fundamental European and universal freedoms, the rights of all people to live peacefully within their own borders without fear of being attacked."

Shortly after the war began on 24 February 2022, the Republic of Ireland introduced a generous resettlement scheme for Ukrainians fleeing from the violence.

Benefit payments given to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland reached €232 a week but in December 2023 the payment rate was reduced to €38.80.

More than 112,000 people have applied for temporary protection under the Irish scheme since March 2022.

By late last year almost 80,000 Ukrainian refugees were still living in the Republic of Ireland, according to Ireland's Central Statistics Office.