Zelenskyy urges Ireland to ‘use your voice’ in opposing Russia’s war

Zelenskyy thanked Ireland for its continued solidarity and called for stronger international support to secure a just and lasting peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told the Oireachtas and the people of Ireland to “use your voice” to oppose the Russian invasion of his country.

“We do not feel your voice, the voice of Ireland, is turning quieter,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

“Thank you for not losing faith in us, just as we do not lose faith that the day will come when we will welcome all our friends to Ukraine in peace and when we will welcome home all our people who were forced to flee, back to a peaceful Ukraine. We are working to make it real.

“A peace without humiliation and based on something truly real, on shared values. Those values are not business as usual, not appeasement of killers, not turning a blind eye to what has happened.

“This has gone on far too long to simply close our eyes and turn the page on Russia without the just peace “We need real peace. Help us achieve it and never lose your faith in Ukraine.”

Mrs Martin and First Lady Olena Zelenska (right) in the Dail chamber as they wait for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Picture: Tony Maxwell/Maxwells/PA Wire

Mr Zelenskyy was introduced by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, who said that Ireland "is not – and will never be – morally neutral in the face of atrocity".

"The Irish, who themselves have lived the trauma of immigration and war, have opened their hearts and homes to thousands of Ukrainians who now live and work among us. Your people enrich our communities and share their culture, even though their hearts remain with Ukraine.

"Ireland’s journey to peace was long and hard, but it succeeded because people persevered in the belief that peace is the only solution. That same possibility exists for Ukraine.

"President Zelenskyy, we hope for – and look forward to – the day when Ukraine can celebrate peace. We stand with the Ukrainian people – in solidarity, in friendship, and in hope. May your courage and the strength of your people lead to a just and lasting peace."