Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told a conference of European and international leaders in Kyiv that Ireland will contribute more financially to Ukraine "on all fronts".
Speaking via video link to a conference convened by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr Martin said that Ireland stands with Ukraine and that Russia must not be rewarded for its invasion.
"We do need to say more, we do need to spend more and we need to do more. Ireland will contribute more financially on all fronts and in all areas, and will strengthen our commitment on that front," he told the conference.
Speaking at Government Buildings, Mr Martin said the Government is looking at alternative ways of providing financial assistance and support to Ukraine.
This is because Hungary has paralysed the European Peace Facility mechanism, he said.
The Taoiseach stated that the ultimate security for small countries like Ireland is through the international rules-based order and that is why Ukraine's defence is so important.
"You are protecting and fighting to uphold the principles of the United Nation's Charter. In that context Europe has been unified and has been firm so far."
Mr Martin said that if there was a ceasefire in Ukraine, Ireland could play a role in a monitoring mission under a UN resolution.
Read more: Zelensky hails Ukraine's 'heroism' on third anniversary of invasion
However, he added that Ireland could not be involved in enforcing a negotiated settlement between Russia and Ukraine because this would involve "deterrence and prevention" measures.
He said it is "extremely important" for the EU to accelerate Ukraine's membership to the European Union.
He added that Ireland will continue to support sanctions against Russia and support the use of frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
"Those who engage in illegal and brutal invasions and breach the basics of international rules and sovereignty have to know that ultimately there has to be a price for the destruction that is wrought as a result of this war.
"What we must now resolve is to ensure that Russia is never rewarded for what it did three years ago."
In an earlier statement, the Taoiseach said Ireland's support for Ukraine "remains steadfast" as he paid tribute to the "heroic" country three years on from Russia's invasion.
He said: "Three years on from the launch of Russia's barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion, it is important that we continue to highlight what is happening on our continent.
"Over the past three years, the people of Ukraine have endured unimaginable violence and suffering, the destruction of their homes and livelihoods and the devastation of critical infrastructure at the hands of the Russian Federation.
"On this third anniversary of Russia’s appalling invasion, it is important to restate that Ireland’s support for the people and government of Ukraine remains steadfast."
Today's meeting is taking place after talks between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on ending the war in Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky has said his country will not accept any outcome from talks that have taken place between Russia and the United States since Ukraine was excluded from the discussions.
Today marks the third anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 24, 2025
Ireland continues in its steadfast support for Ukraine & its people.
At this difficult & uncertain moment, we stand ready to do all we can to support a just & lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/kxiOeQB49T
Ireland will engage constructively in talks about peacekeepers - Tánaiste
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said that Ireland would engage constructively in any talks about deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine.
However, Mr Harris said there is no sign yet that the Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace.
"We hear a lot of talk about peace while a brutal aggressor is continuing to attack Ukraine," Mr Harris said as he attended a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels.
He also confirmed that legacy radar equipment from the Defence Forces could be made available to Ukraine quite quickly but added that he would not "overstate the significance" of the move as it is a small amount.
Today marks three years since Russia's barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) February 24, 2025
"Ireland stands with Ukraine, now, and for as long as it takes."
Tánaiste @SimonHarrisTD pic.twitter.com/IT23xaIVaL
Mr Harris, who is also Minister for Defence, is to present proposals to Cabinet to change Ireland's "triple lock" system for deploying soldiers on peacekeeping, crisis management and evacuation missions.
In April, the Cabinet approved to amend the triple-lock system, which Opposition politicians had warned could threaten Ireland's neutrality.
The Defence Bill will set out a proposal to remove a veto held by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, Russia, China, France and the UK - over the deployment of Irish peacekeepers abroad, in the event where it has been approved by the Government.
Currently, Ireland cannot deploy any more than 12 Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas without the mission being approved by a UN Security Council vote.
Pre-legislative scrutiny of the amendment by the foreign affairs committee will be required as part of the proposed change.
Mr Harris said "by making the changes proposed, we would be removing the veto power of Security Council members over Ireland's international engagement, while safeguarding the essential link with international law and good governance.
"Such a change would permit us to continue Ireland's peacekeeping record, of which we are so justifiably proud," he added.
"I want to be clear that in bringing forward these proposals I have no desire to alter Ireland's policy of military neutrality. What we are proposing would remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
"This will do nothing to change Ireland's traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.
"This is also not in any way shape or form an attempt to disengage from the UN. Instead it allows Ireland to seek to improve the UN from within," Mr Harris said.
Ireland has had no peacekeeping mission approved by the UN since 2014.
Additional reporting Joe Mag Raollaigh
