Taoiseach Micheál Martin is among some 30 leaders meeting in Paris on Thursday to discuss with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy how to strengthen military support, review ceasefire efforts and assess what role they could play if a peace deal is struck with Russia.
The third summit of what France has called the coalition of the “willing and able” is under way and brings together the likes of Mr Martin, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
Speaking alongside Mr Zelenskiy, French president Emmanuel Macron said: “Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions,” as he accused Russia of coming up with an increasingly long list of demands.
He said European forces could be stationed in “important town, strategic bases” to “mark the clear support from several European government and allies,” but made it clear they would have to “respond” to any attack from Russia.
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Mr Macron also rejected any suggestion of lifting sanctions, saying it was “much too early” to make such decision.
Mr Macron has committed to a further €2 billion in French military support to Ukraine. Mr Zelenskiy said other partners could announce aid packages on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Taoiseach said the leaders will “reflect on ongoing efforts towards a meaningful ceasefire, how we can support that ceasefire if and when it comes and how we can contribute to bringing about a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
A “key component” is ensuring Ukraine is in the “strongest possible position when entering substantive negotiations”, he said, adding that this includes security assurances.
Ireland will continue to support Ukraine “as we have done”, including through the additional €100 million for non-lethal military assistance recently agreed by the Government, he said.
“We are ready to play our part in supporting any ceasefire and peace arrangements, in full keeping with our policy of military neutrality ... that could include Irish involvement in any mandated peacekeeping mission deployed in support of a ceasefire or it could involve further training under the EU Military Assistance Mission in areas where we have particular expertise to offer,” he said.
Mr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that he wanted the United States and Kyiv’s other western allies to remain strong in countering Russia’s demands and narrative in its three-year war on his country.
But he said pro-Kremlin comments by Washington were weakening US pressure on Russia and bringing peace no closer in the biggest conflict in Europe since the second World War.
The format of the talks aims to forge a role for Europe in any talks on ending the conflict. While the United States is not present, French officials say the summit’s outcomes will be shared with the US administration.
The discussions will focus on how to strengthen Ukraine militarily to deter future attacks, and how to monitor limited ceasefires over sea targets and energy infrastructure, as discussed at US-led talks this week in Saudi Arabia.
European efforts, led by Mr Macron and British prime minister Keir Starmer, to create security arrangements for Ukraine are shifting from sending troops to considering alternatives as they face political and logistical constraints, and the prospect of Russia and the United States opposing their plans, officials have told Reuters.
A concept paper for the summit seen by Reuters refers to a possible future reassurance force in Ukraine away from the front line “as part of a future peace settlement and with support of the United States.”
A reassurance force positioned in Ukraine would aim to offer security guarantees and deter future aggression from Russia.
“The objective is to allow Ukraine to keep the situation on the ground and resist the Russian aggression, while building the credible elements to this lasting peace,” Mr Macron said.
Mr Zelenskiy said he hoped there would be more clarity on which countries would eventually commit to such a force.
“We are expecting some new and strong decisions. We need to move forward on security guarantee discussions and the presence in Ukraine of partner contingents,” he said.
“We will see what is possible and not possible to do. It’s not simple and I think it’s still too early.”
Underscoring the difficulties, Ukraine and Russia accused one another on Wednesday of flouting a truce on energy strikes brokered by the United States, and the European Union said it would not meet conditions set by Russia for a planned ceasefire in the Black Sea. – Reuters
