'Ireland stands with you today, and always': Micheál Martin marks second anniversary of Ukraine war
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Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said Ireland will not waver in its support for Ukraine.
In a statement marking the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, Mr Martin said Ireland is determined to hold Russia to account for its actions.
The people of Ukraine are paying the ultimate price for a war that they never chose to enter into, he said in a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.
"They continue to demonstrate remarkable resolve and determination in the face of adversity," said Mr Martin.
"While the world calls for peace, respect for international order and territorial integrity, Russia chooses the path of escalation.
He reiterated that Ireland and the EU would continue its unified and determined response encompassing political, financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support.
"We recognise that in fighting to defend their country, Ukrainians are fighting to defend universal values that we in Ireland, and across Europe, hold dear: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights," Mr Martin said.
Speaking to Ukrainians who have come to Ireland seeking refuge since war broke out in their home country, the Tánaiste concluded: "Ireland stands with you today, and always. Slava Ukraini."
Today marks the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of #Ukraine. Ireland will not waver in support for Ukraine, or in determination to stand up and hold Russia to account. 🇺🇦 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/hFwUX50ScZ
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 24, 2024
Meanwhile, rallies are being held in Cork and in Dublin today to mark the anniversary.
Democracy for Ukraine will meet at Cork's Grand Parade at 2.30pm and make its way to Patrick Street.
In Dublin, demonstrators will meet at the GPO at 11am and walk to Merrion Square for a vigil at lunchtime.
Ukrainian Action in Ireland spokesperson Polina Maliuzhonok said they want to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Ukrainian people since the war.
"We just want the world to know and to remember Russian war crimes they did and still are do in Ukraine right now," said Ms Maliuzhonok.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen travelled overnight to visit Kyiv today along with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
They arrived shortly after a Russian drone attack struck a residential building in the southern city of Odesa, killing at least one person.
Three women also sustained severe burns in the attack on Friday evening on a residential building, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on his social media account. Rescue services are still combing rubble looking for survivors.
The foreign leaders are in Ukraine to express solidarity as Ukrainian forces run low on ammunition and weaponry and western aid hangs in the balance.