Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin to tell him he appreciates Ireland’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine to join the EU.
Mr Martin received a letter from Zelensky on Wednesday, a Government spokesman has confirmed, which read: “The citizens of Ukraine highly appreciate the unwavering support from Ireland and the friendly Irish people in the implementation of the European integration strategy of our state.
“I express my sincere gratitude to Ireland and you personally for supporting the historic decision of the European Council to grant Ukraine the official status of a candidate country for membership in the European Union.”
Read more: Vladimir Putin in fresh threat to the west and Ireland as war rages on
Just one week ago Mr Martin arrived in Ukraine to meet President Zelensky where he reiterated his support for Ukraine's fast-tracked membership of the EU.
In his letter, President Zelensky said the decision of the European Union also contributes to “our victory over the Russian aggressor, the tireless fight against which is another unifying factor in Europe.”
The signed letter read: “Russia's military aggression was aimed at destroying Ukrainian statehood and its European future, but it only strengthened our aspirations to become a full-fledged part of the European family.
“The granting of candidate status to Ukraine was the restoration of geopolitical justice for our people, who have repeatedly proven that they are ready to defend European values, human rights, democracy, and the security of Europe as a whole with weapons in hand.
“Now that we have reached a qualitatively new level of relations, the future of Ukraine is legally connected with the European Union.
“I am aware that the path to EU membership is not easy.
“But I have no doubt that Ukraine is capable of walking this path with dignity in order to join the European Union as a full-fledged member state.
“We are determined to ensure the implementation of the recommendations set by the European Commission as effectively and as quickly as possible.
“I believe that thanks to our efforts, we will soon be able to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
“I count on the fact that our ambitious goals of further rapprochement with the EU and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine will be accompanied by consistent support for our efforts from the member states of the European Union and further fruitful cooperation in this direction.”
While in war-torn Ukraine last week, the Taoiseach visited a number or towns destroyed by Russian shelling.
He also visited the site of a mass grave in Bucha, an area captured by Russian forces in the early days of the war.
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