Ireland is with Ukraine 'for as long as it takes' - Irish PM tells Zelensky

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed his gratitude to the Irish government and "every Irish home" that has sheltered Ukrainians.

He added, "Ireland, stand with us, because Ireland respects freedom".

From the beginning stages of the 2022 Russian invasion, thousands of families opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees out of an outpouring of public support and solidarity. Many of our owners and properties, including hotels, were made available to fleeing refugees at short notice with the assistance of government departments.

During his current pre-Christmas visit to Ireland, Zelensky said:

"We hope that Ireland, not only on its own but together with all those who listen to Ireland in the world, will support the need to hold Russia accountable for its aggression,"

Taoiseach Micheál Martin told a joint press conference that "peace will come to Ukraine".

The Taoiseach pledged that Ireland will be ready to work with Ukraine and international partners to help "underpin peace" and to support Ukraine in its journey of recovery and reconstruction.