Ukraine President wishes Irish people a Happy St Patrick's Day in special call with Taoiseach

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has wished the Irish people a belated Happy St Patrick’s Day in a special phone call with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Monday night.

The Ukrainian President spoke to Mr Varadkar just before teatime where he also thanked Ireland for our ongoing support of Ukraine as it fights back against Russia’s invasion.

The Taoiseach promised we could continue to offer our full backing to Mr Zelenskyy’s people and reiterated our full support for Ukraine’s application to join the EU.

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It is understood that Mr Varadkar said that he would like to visit Ukraine at some stage this year to witness the situation on the ground for himself.

A spokesman for the Taoiseach last night said: “The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ireland for its ongoing support of his country in a phone call to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this afternoon.

“The Taoiseach pledged continued support and solidarity to Ukraine.

“He said Ireland is backing Ukraine’s application for EU membership, and is examining how additional help can be provided to help Ukraine to rebuild its civilian and energy infrastructure.

“The Taoiseach also briefed President Zelenskyy about the many discussions he held with President Biden and others regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during his visit to the US last week, where he thanked the US for its steadfast support and encouraged them to continue it for as long as it takes.

“President Zelenskyy extended his wishes for a happy St Patrick’s Day to Ireland, and wished peace and good luck to Ireland and Irish people.”

President Zelenskyy (Zuma Press/PA Images)

Ireland has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in the EU since Russia first invaded Ukraine in February last year.

Mr Zelenskyy made a historic joint address to the Dáil and Seanad last April and the then-Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, visited Ukraine capital, Kyiv in July.

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