Zelenskyy says Ukraine ‘closer to peace than ever,’ urges world to seize diplomatic momentum

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday told the Irish parliament that Ukraine is “closer to peace than ever before,” calling on the international community to seize the momentum to end the war through united diplomatic action.

Zelenskyy said his team delivered a full briefing in Dublin following recent talks in the US on a proposed peace plan, noting that negotiations are intensifying. “There is a real, real chance, but we must seize this chance fully — the whole world, not just one powerful country,” he said.

He stressed that while one nation can start a war, “to restore justice and defend what is right, we need a community of nations.”

Global unity, he argued, has become Ukraine’s strongest leverage. “When different voices stand together on the side of justice, there is only one possible outcome — peace,” he told lawmakers.

Zelenskyy thanked Ireland for its steadfast support, saying the country “understands the price of freedom” and plays an important role in maintaining international pressure on Russia.

Ireland has announced an additional €125 million ($145 million) in support for Ukraine as Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Zelenskyy prepared to sign a new five-year partnership roadmap.

The 2030 Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, expanding on a 2024 Kyiv agreement, aims to deepen cooperation across political, security, economic and cultural fields, including recovery assistance, innovation links and an Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum.

Of the new package, €100 million ($116 million) will go toward non-lethal military aid to help Ukraine counter Russian missile and drone attacks, with the remainder supporting reconstruction and broader initiatives.