Taoiseach: Europe must hold firm on Ukraine amid Trump-Zelenskyy dispute
Taoiseach Micheál Martin joined Patrick Kielty on Friday's Late Late Show. Picture: Andres Poveda
Europe must hold its nerve when it comes to Ukraine, the Taoiseach has said.
Micheál Martin was speaking in the aftermath of the extraordinary public spat between US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House that has thrown the already precarious Russia-Ukrainian crisis into further disarray.
Mr Martin described the interaction between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy as a "hugely unsettling setback” during an appearance on the Late Late Show on Friday.
He said the conversation was “extraordinary” but that he expects European leaders will try to rebuild and bridge the gap between Europe and America on support for Ukraine.
He reiterated his admiration for Mr Zelenskyy, saying “he stood his ground” at the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.
He also said “Europe is worried” but did not directly answer when asked by host Patrick Kielty if he trusts Mr Trump. He described the American leader as firstly a businessman and said he is different to conventional politicians.
Mr Martin harked back to the experiences of Ireland and Northern Ireland in the 1990s, pointing out lasting peace and a ceasefire takes time to put in place.
“I think Europe will stand with Ukraine,” he said.
In a message posted online after the White House meeting, Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia's illegal invasion.
"We stand with Ukraine," the Foreign Affairs Minister said.
A spokesperson for Mr Harris said the Tániaste has spoken to the Ukrainian foreign minister in Washington DC and has also spoken to Ukraine's ambassador to Ireland.
"He has expressed his full solidarity with them and support from the people of Ireland."
European leaders were at pains to express their support for Ukraine and Mr Zelenskyy following Friday's unprecedented public diplomatic spat, including French president Emmanuel Macron, outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
However, Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban was a notable outlier, publicly expressing his support for Donald Trump.
The longtime Trump ally cast Mr Zelenskyy as working against peace in his own country in a social media post.
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” he wrote. "Today President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!"
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