Zelenskiy and McEntee discuss EU Presidency in Kyiv meeting

James Cox

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee in Kyiv today, where the pair discussed Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the European Union.

It was part of McEntee's two-day visit to Ukraine, where she also attended a ceremony to mark the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Bucha from Russia.

Zelenskiy thanked Ireland for the State's ongoing support for Ukraine, and highlighted the need for increased security during the EU presidency.

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026.

Alongside a video of his meeting with McEntee, Zelenskiy wrote: "We discussed with Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, Helen McEntee, the priorities of Ireland's EU presidency in the second half of this year. For Ukraine, it is very important that the principle of opening clusters to a country that fulfills its commitments ultimately takes effect.

"I provided detailed information on the results of visits to Middle Eastern countries and on the protection system that Ukraine proposed there. We are ready to work in the same format with European partners, both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the SAFE program. In all dimensions, Europe must be protected, and Ukrainian expertise can significantly enhance security.

"Thank you to Ireland for all its support: military, humanitarian, and energy-related. I am personally grateful to Helen McEntee for her participation in the Buchan Summit, which took place the day before, on the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Bucha from Russian occupiers."

I discussed the priorities of Ireland’s EU Presidency in the second half of this year with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Defense of Ireland Helen McEntee. For Ukraine, it is very important that the principle of opening clusters for a country that fulfils its… pic.twitter.com/7R9snQwlno

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 1, 2026