Taoiseach says Russia has failed to ‘break’ Ukraine as EU vows to come good on €90bn loan

LAST UPDATE | 19 hrs ago

TODAY MARKS THE fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II which has cost tens of thousands of lives.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is among the global figures to condemn Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression” against Ukraine on today’s anniversary.

“It is a brutal conflict in which Russia has shown an absolute disregard for human life and international law,” he said in a statement.

He said he will attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing later today – a group of 34 countries who have pledged strengthened support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Leaders of the G7 global powers, including US President Donald Trump, also reaffirmed their “unwavering support for Ukraine” in a statement on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

It marks the first joint declaration by G7 leaders on Ukraine since Trump’s return to the White House a year ago – France holds the G7 presidency for this year.

“We express our continued support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve these objectives by initiating a peace process and bringing the parties to direct discussions. Europe has a leading role to play in this process, joined by other partners,” the leaders of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan said.

The G7 also noted their support for the Coalition of the Willing.

‘Proud to stand with Ukraine’

Martin today remarked that “the war could end in the morning if Russia stopped attacking Ukraine.

He added: “Until that day comes, we are proud to stand with Ukraine, politically, economically, militarily and diplomatically.

Advertisement

He said Russia has “tried and failed to break the spirit” of the Ukrainian people, adding that Putin underestimated the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people and the strength and unity of Europe.

Ireland has welcomed 120,000 Ukrainians since the war began – 84,000 of whom are currently in the country. 

“Irish people have opened their hearts, their homes and their communities to a people in need and the Ukrainians who have come here have made an immense contribution to the communities in which they live,” said Martin.

“We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Slava Ukraini!”

Meanwhile, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen is in Kyiv to mark the occasion, posting a video saying she was visiting for the tenth time since the war began to reaffirm that Europe stood “unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter”.

“And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian people and to the aggressor alike: we will not relent until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine’s terms,” she said.

Von der Leyen meanwhile said the bloc would make good on a €90bn loan for Ukraine despite the Kremlin-friendly leader of Hungary, Viktor Orban, blocking the measure.

“We will deliver on the loan one way or the other. Let me be very clear. We have different options, and we will use them,” von der Leyen said at a press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

European leaders including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson are also in Ukraine for the anniversary.

Zelensky meanwhile will also host a videoconference with Kyiv’s top allies, including Britain, France and Germany, to push for more support to deter the Russian invasion.

With additional reporting from AFP

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal