The Taoiseach Micheál Martin will travel to Kyiv on Thursday for a series of high-level meetings with Ukrainian officials as Ireland faces increasing international attention over alumina exports linked to an Irish-owned plant. Mr Martin’s programme includes talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, a visit to the Verkhovna Rada and meetings with Ukraine’s recently appointed prime minister and the speaker of parliament.
Diplomatic priority and EU responsibilities
Mr Martin has framed Ukraine as a “central priority” for Ireland during its presidency of the Council of the European Union. His visit aims to reaffirm Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and to explore ways the EU presidency can assist Kyiv as Russian attacks on critical infrastructure continue.
"My visit to Kyiv early in the term of Ireland’s presidency of the EU is important to underline the EU’s and Ireland’s continuing solidarity with the Ukrainian government and the people of Ukraine," Mr Martin said.
In Kyiv, the Taoiseach will meet President Zelensky and also hold discussions with Serhii Koretskyi, who was appointed prime minister last week following a government reshuffle. Mr Koretskyi, formerly head of Naftogaz, has been presented by Mr Zelensky as having the energy-sector experience to guide Ukraine through another winter when power-grid attacks typically intensify.
Alumina export row follows recent diplomacy
The visit comes amid mounting pressure on Ireland concerning Aughinish Alumina, a refinery in County Limerick owned by a Russian company. Allegations have emerged that alumina exported from the plant may be reaching manufacturers of military equipment used in the conflict with Russia. Those claims have prompted an investigation by Irish authorities; during President Zelensky’s visit to Dublin earlier this month, he expressed hope for what he described as “a positive result for us” from that probe.
- Meetings planned: President Zelensky; Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi; Verkhovna Rada speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.
- Site visits: damaged civilian areas in Kyiv and engagement with the Irish community in the city.
- Context: scrutiny over alumina exports linked to an Irish-owned refinery in Limerick.
What the visit will cover
Alongside bilateral security discussions, Mr Martin will visit the Ukrainian parliament to discuss the progress of EU accession negotiations — a matter of particular relevance to Ireland in its role as Council president. He will also see first-hand the recent damage caused by Russian strikes and meet members of the local Irish community in Kyiv.
| Event | Officials involved |
|---|---|
| Bilateral meeting | President Volodymyr Zelensky and Taoiseach Micheál Martin |
| Government talks | Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi |
| Parliamentary discussions | Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk |
Mr Martin has criticised the recent intensification of Russian attacks on Kyiv and elsewhere, describing them as relentless and underlining the urgency of sustained European engagement. The Dublin government’s handling of the alumina inquiry will remain a focal point during the visit, with Kyiv closely watching the outcome.
