Tue 9 Dec 2025 11.30 EST First published on Tue 9 Dec 2025 03.49 EST Share Europe needs to continue supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia, Irish, EU leaders say Over in Dublin, Irish prime minister Micheál Martin is now speaking at a press conference alongside the European Council’s president, António Costa. View image in fullscreen Ireland's prime minister Micheál Martin (L) and European Council president António Costa (C) wave as they meet during the latter's visit to Dublin. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images He talks about “the need to continue and step up our support for Ukraine, political, military and financial,” as the talks continue with hopes of securing “a just and lasting peace as soon as possible.” He blames Russia for continuing attacks on Ukraine and the recent violation of EU airspace, calling them “reckless” and “threatening European security and regional stability.” “Threat from Russia is real and impacts all EU member states,” he says. Martin also pointedly speaks about the need to “increase pressure on Russia until it ends its injustifiable war,” calling for urgent agreement on further financing for Ukraine, including the use of immobilised Russian assets. He also clearly backs Ukraine’s ambitions to join the EU, which is important in the context of Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency in the second half of 2026. Responding, Costa picks up on that theme as he says that Ireland is seen “as a pro European country and an honest broker, and that will be very useful for the success of your presidency.” But he says that “at a time of rising global tensions, it’s never been more crucial to guarantee Europe’s security,” stressing the bloc continues “working on all fronts to stop Russia’s war of aggression.” Costa also talks about the importance of next week’s European Council summit expected to discuss further support for Ukraine. “Europe will remain Ukraine’s strongest and most reliable partner, and this is what the European Council will deliver next week,” he says. Share