Micheál Martin: 'I don't know how the people of Ukraine deal with this' 

Taoiseach said he 'can't comprehend how Russian leadership can preside over the loss of so much life and so many soldiers on both sides'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin receiving a warm welcome from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he “cannot comprehend” how Russian president Vladimir Putin and his leadership can “preside over the loss of so much life” as the war in Ukraine rages on.

On a visit to Kyiv on Thusday, Mr Martin said people in Ukraine were living in “traumatic” circumstances.

Mr Martin was in Kyiv for several high-profile meetings, including with president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his newly installed prime minister Serhii Koretskyi.

He also visited areas recently hit by Russian attacks, as Ukraine continues to face waves of missile and drone strikes targeting cities and civilian infrastructure.

As he met residents in Dehtiarivska Street in the capital, the Taoiseach criticised Putin’s ongoing bombardment.

“It’s a long war, and Putin obviously is banking on people getting weary and war-weary,” the Taoiseach said.

“The people who are suffering the most are the people in Ukraine. I don't know how the people of Ukraine deal with this.

The losses on the frontline are horrendous. I can't comprehend how Russian leadership can preside over the loss of so much life and so many soldiers on both sides. I do not understand it.

Mr Martin praised the people of Ukraine, noting he had heard the story of one 10-year-old boy who woke his parents in the middle of the night after hearing a drone and how they got out “just in time”.

The Taoiseach said: “The sleep loss, the trauma, deprivation; there's a whole psychosocial impact of this war for the citizens of these major cities. 

"They don't know when a missile will strike or drones will strike. That is extraordinarily traumatic.

“Whatever problems we have, they pale into insignificance when you come here, when you see trauma that the Ukrainians have experienced."

Mr Martin arrived in Ukraine by train on Thursday morning, meeting with Mr Zelenskyy before they laid wreaths for fallen soldiers.

The two leaders met at Mariinskyi Palace, the president's official residence, for a 30-minute one-to-one meeting followed by a further 30-minute session involving their respective delegations.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Memory Wall of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine on Thursday.

At a press conference, Mr Zelenskyy thanked the Irish people and Government for their support of Ukraine.

We are grateful to the people of Ireland because I'm aware that many, many of our people are there, and I'm aware of the warm, importantly, very warm attitude toward our people there,” he said.

“We appreciate that during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, you are here with us, with Ukraine. You support Ukraine.

“You see what's happening, and you understand the needs of our defence, the defence of life.”

The Taoiseach announced Ireland would provide a further €125m in support for Ukraine this year, in addition to the €65m already committed earlier in 2026.

The funding will be used for non-lethal military assistance, including measures to strengthen Ukraine's air-defence capabilities.

Additional support will also be directed towards protecting and restoring critical energy infrastructure damaged during the war.

Mr Martin vowed “steadfast and unwavering solidarity”, adding support was as “strong as it has ever been, and will continue to be for as long as it take”.

He noted 85,000 Ukrainian people were still living in Ireland and had “integrated into Irish society and are enriching our communities in many ways”.

“I have no doubt, though, that they will play an important role in rebuilding their country when it is safe to do so, should they choose to return,” he said.

“Ireland will always stand by Ukraine, and we will continue to push for a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine.”