Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has confirmed that Ireland is open to deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine.
Martin made the remarks after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Shannon Airport on February 27, during a brief stopover on Zelenskyy’s way to the United States.
Their meeting focused on Ireland’s support for Ukraine, including financial aid, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy for Ukraine’s fast-tracked EU membership.
this was reported by the Irish Examiner on February 27.
Ireland Backs Ukraine’s EU Accession
Martin reaffirmed that Ireland will push strongly for an accelerated timeline for Ukraine’s EU accession, stating that membership would provide Ukraine with economic benefits and implicit security guarantees.
“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,” Martin said.
However, he acknowledged that Hungary’s veto has delayed Ireland’s financial commitments under the European Peace Facility—the EU’s funding mechanism for military aid to Ukraine.
To counter this, Ireland is exploring alternative ways to provide financial support, including funding Ukraine’s school meal program.
Military Aid and Peacekeeping Role
Beyond humanitarian support, Ireland is also contributing militarily, albeit in a non-lethal capacity.
Zelenskyy confirmed that Ireland will supply Giraffe radar systems, a highly effective air surveillance tool designed to complement Ukraine’s existing air defenses, such as the RBS-70, RBS-90, and Skyguard systems.
While Ireland remains a neutral country, Martin’s openness to peacekeeping efforts signals a potential shift in Ireland’s role in global security operations.
"We are looking at ways we can assist, and that includes discussing potential peacekeeping roles," he said.
New 10-Year Security Agreement
The meeting comes just weeks after Ukraine and Ireland signed a 10-year security cooperation agreement, under which Ireland has pledged €128 million ($140 million) in non-lethal military aid and €40 million ($44 million) in humanitarian assistance for 2025.
Martin also noted that Zelenskyy is keen on ensuring Europe plays a central role in any future peace settlement, while still valuing strong support from the United States.
Martin described their meeting as “warm and constructive.”
