Tánaiste Micheál Martin has addressed a crowd of Ukrainian nationals and their supporters to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Hundreds gathered outside Dublin’s GPO on O’Connell Street on Friday draped in the yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag, donning flower crowns and holding up signs calling for an end to the war.
They chanted “Thank you Ireland” and “Slava Ukraini” and the Ukrainian national anthem and Irish anthem were played before speakers addressed the crowd, including the Ukrainian Ambassador and the leaders of political parties.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs was applauded after stating that Ireland’s friendship would be extended “for as long as you need”.
Mr Martin said that it was outside the GPO that Ireland’s republic was proclaimed, and pledged that Ireland would continue to support Ukraine in its application for EU membership.
Although he said that Ireland was militarily neutral, Mr Martin added “we are not politically or morally neutral” when international law is broken and war crimes are committed.
“To those who have arrived here from Ukraine, I hope that you have found in Ireland safe harbour and friendship for as long as you need,” he said.
“Most of you, I know, look forward to the day when you can return to a peaceful and free Ukraine, to the family and friends you have left behind.
“That day will come. In the meantime, our home is your home.”
Men who had fought the Russian army and are now receiving treatment for their injuries in Ireland also addressed the crowd briefly in Ukrainian.
It comes as the Central Statistics Office released figures on Friday that show there are 75,000 Ukrainian nationals in Ireland; around two-thirds of the total are in State-provided or pledged accommodation.
The Dublin demonstration is one of several being held across Ireland to mark the anniversary of the invasion.
