Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that Ukraine needs security guarantees in the event of any future Russian attempts to invade in the coming years.
During an interview with RTÉ News at the Munich Security Conference, Mr. Martin remarked, “If there was an imperfect peace, there must be security guarantees for Ukraine.”
The Taoiseach also noted that the formation of a European army “isn’t on the agenda,” following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech earlier today in which he advocated for the establishment of a European army.
Much of today’s discussions on European security in Munich centered around the demand for European nations to boost their defense spending.
“To my European friends, I would say, engage in the debate, not by lamenting whether you might, yes or no, be at the table, but by proposing concrete ideas and increasing spending,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to attendees earlier today.
The Taoiseach emphasized that European member states, including Ireland, must “enhance their military capabilities,” reiterating that the Government aims to achieve €1.5bn in defense expenditure by 2028.
“Expenditure has risen each year. Our capital program has seen growth. We’ve revamped our military barracks and will continue to do so, although procurement processes have been slow,” Mr. Martin explained.
“There has been considerable criticism regarding the lack of agility and responsiveness, if you will, within the European defense sector.
“It is indeed sluggish, which is a concern expressed by other European states as well. We intend to collaborate with others to expedite procurement,” he added.
He highlighted that maritime and cyber security remain two critical areas for defense spending.
“Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we’ve witnessed a dramatic rise in cyber-attacks targeting our private sector and across Europe,” noted Mr. Martin.
Ireland’s annual military defense budget, approximately 0.24% of GDP, is among the lowest in the EU.
“There will always be limits to what a small nation like Ireland can accomplish. We’re not a military power and will not be,” Mr. Martin remarked, emphasizing that the Government will concentrate on “more practical immediate threats,” such as cyber risks and subsea cable security.
This afternoon, the cancellation of a forum on global food security meant that Mr. Martin and Mr. Zelensky were unable to meet as originally scheduled.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not meet as intended (File Photo)
The reasons behind the event’s cancellation remain unclear.
Ukraine will once again be a focal point in many discussions today, particularly regarding European support for the beleaguered nation.
Yesterday, Mr. Zelensky stated that his country requires “security guarantees” during a meeting with United States Vice President JD Vance.
Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Vance discussed the Trump administration’s attempts to negotiate a peace agreement with Russia.
This evening, US Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, will participate in a forum titled ‘Peace Through Strength: A Plan for Ukraine.’
This could offer the first public insight into the particulars of the Trump administration’s proposed peace initiative aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.
