European leaders meeting in Dublin on Wednesday insisted that excluding the European Union from any future peace deal for Ukraine would be absurd, as diplomatic maneuvers intensified across the capital.
The European Political Community summit brought continental leaders to the Convention Centre, sparking widespread transport disruptions and high-stakes bilateral meetings. Taoiseach Micheál Martin used the gathering to stress that Europe’s voice remains non-negotiable in any diplomatic resolution.
Very pleased to welcome President @ZelenskyyUa back to Dublin ahead of tomorrow's EPC meeting. His visit demonstrates the enduring friendship between our nations. Ireland's support for Ukraine remains steadfast and we are working to advance their journey to EU membership. pic.twitter.com/FMLnXZksDm
The Maritime Security Talks in Dublin
The Irish Times reported that Ireland is currently in talks to use Ukrainian drone technology for maritime security.
Following a bilateral meeting at Government Buildings, Mr Martin said the Department of Defence is exploring a joint memorandum with its Ukrainian counterpart on drone manufacturing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that his country is ready for co-production and expected the deal to become operational soon.
Today in Dublin, a multilateral meeting of Ukraine’s friends, our biggest partners, took place. I thank @andyburnham for organizing it. I am grateful to @EmmanuelMacron, @bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz, @donaldtusk, @PetteriOrpo, @AndrisKulbergs, @KristenMichalPM, Mette Frederiksen… pic.twitter.com/a3FnyCm7hD
“We have put Ukraine at the heart of our European presidency programme,” Mr Martin said, adding that Ireland will do all it can to open remaining negotiating clusters before its presidency ends.
Mr Zelenskiy told reporters that doing so by the end of the year would be an extremely important result. Both leaders also addressed the question of military-age citizens abroad, with Mr Zelenskiy stating he wanted eligible individuals to return, while Mr Martin said that Ireland does not envisage pursuing people to send them back.
Speaking at the European Political Community in Dublin today, Zelenskyy said the US-led peace talks held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday "were serious not empty," noting the agreement between Kyiv and Moscow to swap prisoners of war. But he said there had been "a lot of…”
American Envoys Arrive After Moscow Talks
As the summit unfolded, security operations shifted toward Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell to receive American diplomatic envoys.
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Dublin on Thursday to brief Mr Zelenskiy following peace talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian leader stated he expected concrete answers regarding security guarantees, prisoner-of-war exchanges, and energy ceasefires.
Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa affirmed the continent's steadfast commitment to Kyiv's security framework.
“Political support, financial support, diplomatic support and even many countries also, military support, and for us, it’s clear that our own security begins in Ukrainian security and we will continue to support Ukraine,” said Antonio Costa, European Council President, speaking at a press conference in the Convention Centre.
A good meeting with @eucopresident António Costa and President of the European Commission @vonderleyen. I briefed them on the meetings in Abu Dhabi. Europeans were present in separate formats, and it is important that Europe be fully represented in the negotiation track with the… pic.twitter.com/sgaJ0FkrLS
“We will support them, and we wish the best results from this process. But as we said, for us it's very clear what we want to achieve, first of all, is a ceasefire, but the final goal is a just and lasting peace,” European Council President Antonio Costa said, adding that any lasting peace must be anchored in the foundational principles of the European security architecture dating back to the 1975 Helsinki Agreement.
Dublin Protests and Security Cordons Disrupt City Logistics
The diplomatic summit caused logistical adjustments and protests in the Irish capital. Dublin police maintained a strict security cordon around the Convention Centre, resulting in widespread road closures, Samuel Beckett Bridge restrictions, and Luas tram service alterations near the 3Arena.
Around 1,000 demonstrators attended a protest organized by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and People Before Profit, marching from O’Connell Street toward Merrion Square before being halted by Gardaí at Molesworth Street. Separate demonstrations and hoax devices caused temporary disruptions across the city’s transport network.
| Event / Entity | Location | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| EPC Summit | Convention Centre Dublin | European security architecture and Ukraine support |
| Bilateral Meeting | Government Buildings | Irish-Ukrainian maritime drone technology talks |
| US Envoy Briefing | Casement Aerodrome | Debriefing on Moscow and Abu Dhabi peace talks |
Mr Burnham also addressed reporters during the Dublin gathering, expressing optimism regarding upcoming talks with the EU.
