Thousands of people have taken part in marches across the country to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Around 5,000 people took part in a march in Dublin, which was organised by Ukrainian Action in Ireland on behalf of the Ukrainian community.
The group said the 'Stand with Ukraine' walk is dedicated to the second anniversary of "the brutal and unjustified military invasion of Ukraine by Russia."
The march began at 11am in front of the GPO on O'Connell Street.
Demonstrators marched to Merrion Square where a rally was held.
Ukrainian Ambassador Ireland Larysa Gerasko and US Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin were among the ambassadors taking part.
Participants carried placards calling for the war to end and appealing to people to "stand with Ukraine".
Many who took part in the march, particularly Ukrainian refugees who have travelled here since the war began, said the event is also a chance to thank the people of Ireland for the support that is being provided.
Chants of 'thank you Ireland' from members of the Ukrainian community at a rally in Merrion Square after crowds march through Dublin on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine @RTENews pic.twitter.com/ffllp7m2xR
— Fergal O'Brien (@FergalOBrien_) February 24, 2024
Ireland has provided refuge to 100,000 Ukrainians under EU temporary protection rules since the war began.
Olha Chekmaieva fled her home city of Odesa in 2022 before settling in Ireland.
The Ukrainian Action in Ireland spokeswoman said that Irish support keeps her "holding on".
"Today we mark the two-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion that Russia started in my country Ukraine," she said.
"We are actually fascinated by the way Ireland and Irish people support us still. It is amazing and what keeps us holding on, actually."
She said that the group wanted to "remind people that the war - even if it is not in the news that much - is still going on on a daily basis".
"Just yesterday, another rocket hit the house in the city where I'm from. Several died," Ms Chekmaieva added.
"We want the world and Ireland to remember that we need their support in our fight for freedom."
More than 1,000 people also took part in the rally in Cork city.
Large crowds gathered at Grand Parade in the city centre, many of them carrying Ukraine flags and wearing blue and yellow colours, early this afternoon to show their support for the Ukrainian cause.
A significant number of those taking part were people from Ukraine were forced to leave because of the war.
"I'm here today to support our people," Anna Kolechomok said, "to remind...that we are still fighting and that they still need to support us and support our men who are so brave and staying there in Ukraine".
She and her daughter Margharyta have been living in Dripsey in Co Cork since April of 2022 and said she did not think they would be here this long.
"No, never actually. I would like to be at home, but unfortunately it's too dangerous for me and my daughter to be there," she said.
Asked what her hopes are for the near future, she said: "I hope every day that war will stop today. Every day."
She and the other marchers sang the Ukraine national anthem and other Ukrainian songs and chanted slogans as they made their way through Grand Parade and St Patrick's Street in Cork, calling for peace and an end to war.
'Slava Ukraine'
In a post on social media last night, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also offered his support to Ukraine, writing: "This weekend marks the second anniversary of Putin's invasion of #Ukraine. We will fly the flag of Ukraine at Government Buildings on Saturday in solidarity.
"Ukraine is all that stands between a brutal tyrant, and the free Europe we all hold so dear. Slava Ukraine".
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said in a post on X that Ireland "will not waver in support for Ukraine".
He said: "For 730 days, Ukraine has endured unimaginable violence and suffering, the destruction of homes, livelihoods and critical infrastructure by the Russian Federation.
"Across the country, innocent Ukrainian men, women and children are paying the ultimate price for a war not of their choosing."
Mr Martin added: "While the world calls for peace, respect for international borders and integrity, Russia chooses the path for escalation.
"We will continue our unified and determined response that Ireland and the European Union have mounted since the beginning of this war of aggression."
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky today vowed that the country would defeat Russia.
Additional reporting: PA
