Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was given a standing ovation while addressing a joint meeting of the Dáil and Seanad, in which he thanked Ireland for the assistance it has given his country and people since it was invaded by Russia almost four years ago.
He thanked TDs and Senators for their "steadfast support" for Ukraine, adding that there is a "real chance" for peace if the whole world is prepared to seize it.
Mr Zelensky said that Ireland has stood firmly for a "just end to this war" and he appealed to Irish people to continue giving support to his country, saying "never lose your faith in Ukraine".
He thanked Ireland for "providing homes and protection" to Ukrainians when they needed it most, and said that one day Ukrainians will welcome all their friends to their country in peace, and "all our people who were forced to flee back home".
The Ukrainian leader and First Lady Olena Zelenska were in Ireland for their first official visit, which took place at a critical time, as US efforts continue to broker a ceasefire in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Watch president Zelensky's full address to the Oireachtas below
During his address in the Dáil chamber, Mr Zelensky said "no-one can lie to the entire world forever, not even [Russian president Vladmir] Putin.
"Ukraine wants peace, ladies and gentlemen. One strong country can start a war, another strong country can stop the war, but to restore justice and defend what's right we need a community, a world made up of many different nations.
"One can inspire everyone else, and that is why Ukraine is fighting for every voice in the world," he said.
"Geographically large or small, politically influential or playing a different role, economically powerful or not; when these different voices stand together on the side of justice and free people - then justice must prevail.
"We can achieve what many still believe to be impossible, not just silences instead of bombs, not just clear skies instead of Russian drones and missiles, not just a pause between strikes but lasting things, guaranteed security and true justice."
He urged TDs and Senators to remind the world at every opportunity that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a criminal and unprovoked act of aggression.
Mr Zelensky said that Russia wants to treat Ukraine and its people as if they belong in its backyard, "like livestock". He called for Irish backing for the creation of a tribunal to address Russian actions like the kidnapping of Ukrainian children.
"The aggressor must be held accountable for what was done. This has gone on far too long to simply close our eyes and turn the page on Russia."
Mr Zelensky had earlier told reporters that "now more than ever, there is a chance to end this war".
Ukraine's president said that his visit to Ireland came "at the most challenging and optimistic moment".
"From what I saw, America is taking serious steps to end this war, one way or another and I'm sure this is our common task for everyone in Europe is to really end this war."
Mr Zelensky also said that there needs to be a "decent, dignified peace".
He said he spoke with US envoy Steve Witkoff yesterday and that they are waiting to hear the results of today's discussions in Russia.
Mr Zelensky said the negotiations "need to see results" as "every day our people are dying".
"I will react according to the results. If I feel that we can count on real specific dialogue, not just words but with some results, we will meet and he is very welcome to Ukraine.
"We can simply talk, or we can achieve a maximum result so we can bring the end of the war closer."
Watch: Taoiseach says Ireland will do all it can to support a 'just and lasting peace' in Ukraine
Mr Zelensky said Ireland is a "neutral country" but not an "indifferent country".
"We are grateful to it. You are helping us and we appreciate it... Ireland's interests really matter because it is the influence of a large global community.
"May your influence always work in a way that is fair," he said.
The Ukrainian president said he informed the Taoiseach about the peace negotiations and the current prospects and thanked the Government for their support.
"This concerns our resilience, there is assistance from Ireland as well as a humanitarian support package, we are very grateful for all that.
"We have approved a road map for a partnership between our countries… for at least the next five years. We hope that during this period, Ukraine will become a member of the European Union. We are grateful to you for your support on this path."
Also speaking after the meeting, Mr Martin said it was his great honour to welcome Mr Zelensky on the first official visit of a Ukrainian president to Ireland.
He said Ireland is "open to contributing to peacekeeping and peace monitoring in Ukraine".
The Taoiseach pointed to Ireland's experience of peacekeeping in Lebanon and Africa.
At the press conference, he said Ireland would also be willing to help in post-war construction in Ukraine.
He also extended a warm welcome to Ms Zelenska, who also visited Trinity College.
Watch: Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska welcomed by President Catherine Connolly
Earlier, the Ukrainian president was welcomed to Áras an Uachtaráin by President Catherine Connolly.
Arriving at Government Buildings, Mr Zelensky was given a Lieutenant's Guard of Honour by 44 soldiers from the 28th Infantry Battalion from Finner Camp in Co Donegal.
He was accompanied by Defence Forces Chief of Staff Rossa Mulcahy.
Both the Irish and Ukrainian national anthems were played before Mr Zelensky was invited inside for talks with the Taoiseach.
Mr Martin provided more details on Ireland's additional €100 million in non-lethal military support for Ukraine, and a contribution of €25m for the country's urgent energy needs.
The two leaders held private discussions for 20 minutes before being joined by their delegations for the rest of the hour of scheduled talks.
The talks covered the ongoing peace talks and Ukraine's push for EU membership.
Additional €125m in financial support agreed for Ukraine
Mr Martin and Mr Zelensky signed the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership.
The partnership builds on the Agreement on Support for Ukraine and Cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland, which was signed in Kyiv on 4 September 2024.
A series of commitments in the roadmap will strengthen bilateral relations across a range of areas, including political and security cooperation; support for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction; cooperation in innovation and education; economic cooperation and the establishment of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum; and cultural cooperation.
The roadmap sets out Ireland's immediate commitments to Ukraine. This includes:
- The allocation of an additional €100m in non-lethal military support, bringing to €200m the non-lethal military support provided in 2025.
- The allocation of €25m to support the restoration and protection of Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the provision of essential energy supplies. The previously announced allocation of €35.4m in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports in 2025 was in response to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
- A scheme to support training and related measures to assist in Ukraine's path to EU accession.
The roadmap also establishes the Ukraine-Ireland Strategic Dialogue, which held its first meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Following his address in the Dáil chamber, Mr Zelensky thanked the Irish Government and business leaders for setting up the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum which held its first meeting today.
The forum is aimed at increasing trade ties between the two countries to strengthen the economy as it continues to struggle with Russian attacks on its population, housing and infrastructure.
Speaking to ministers and businesses leaders, he said that the challenge for the future would be to reconstruct parts of the economy which had been destroyed by Russia.
Mr Zelenksy and his wife arrived at Dublin Airport shortly before 11pm last night and were greeted on the runway by the Taoiseach and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne.
Watch: Moment Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska arrive at Dublin Airport
Mr Zelensky met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris yesterday as part of discussions on ending the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
They joined a call with about a dozen other European leaders, including those of Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland and the European Union.
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