Volodymyr Zelenskyy Addresses the Dáil and Seanad

Irish Solidarity and Condemnation

• 🇮🇪 Ireland extends a warm welcome to President Zelenskyy and First Lady Mrs. Zelinska at Leinster House, recognizing her as a symbol of Ukrainian dignity and resilience.
• 💔 The Irish Parliament expresses solidarity and admiration for Ukraine, condemning the war as an illegal attack on a sovereign nation and a violation of international law.
• 🕊️ Despite being militarily neutral, Ireland declares it is not morally neutral in the face of atrocity, committing to peace and providing refuge and humanitarian aid.

Ukraine's Fight for Freedom

• 🙏 President Zelenskyy thanks Ireland for its steadfast support and for offering a home and protection to Ukrainian people fleeing the war.
• ⚔️ He highlights Ukraine's ongoing fight for freedom and independence against Russia's full-scale war, which he describes as the most devastating for freedom in Europe since World War II.
• 🤝 Zelenskyy notes that both Ukrainian and Irish peoples have spent centuries fighting for the right to remain themselves, fostering a deep understanding between them.

The Power of a Community of Nations

• 🌍 Ukraine believes that while a strong country can start a war, and another can help stop it, a community of many nations is essential to restore justice and achieve lasting peace.
• 🛡️ Unity among nations, driven by shared sentiments and aspirations for justice, becomes the main weapon in protecting life and resisting Russia's attempts to destroy Ukraine.
• 🗣️ Zelenskyy emphasizes that every voice counts and every nation matters, with Ukraine actively seeking friends and engaging in diplomatic efforts globally.

Demands for Justice and Accountability

• ⚖️ Zelenskyy urges continued pressure on Russia, including maintaining sanctions, making a tribunal for aggression a reality, and ensuring Russian assets serve peace and rebuilding efforts.
• 👧 He calls for the return of all children abducted by Russia and prisoners held in Russian jails, some since 2014, stressing that this issue has gone on too long.
• 🚫 He insists that the aggressor must be held accountable for its actions, rejecting appeasement or turning a blind eye to what has happened.

A Shared Vision for Peace

• 🇪🇺 Ukraine aspires to stand alongside Ireland in the European Union as equals, confident that Europe will uphold its values.
• 🕊️ The goal is not just a pause in conflict, but lasting peace, guaranteed security, and true justice, achieved through continued global unity.
• 🌟 Irish representatives reiterate their commitment to a stable and just Europe based on international law, hoping Ukraine finds a just peace in the near future.