The Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheal Martin, is set to participate in an online meeting of world leaders convened by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, particularly after recent comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump branding Zelensky as a "dictator" and suggesting Ukraine bore responsibility for starting the war.

Ahead of the meeting, Martin emphasized Ireland’s unwavering support for Ukraine during this turbulent period.

He expressed intentions to underscore Ireland’s commitment to Ukraine's potential membership in the European Union, stating, "This will also send a strong message of our support and our adherence to the position that Ukraine is part of our European family."

The meeting follows recent discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia aimed at negotiating an end to the conflict, a process that has been heavily criticized due to Ukraine's exclusion from the talks.

Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not accept any outcomes from negotiations held without its involvement.

Martin noted his government's position on achieving a sustainable peace while maintaining that any resolution must include Ukrainian participation and interests.

Concurrently, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Harris, announced plans to propose amendments to Ireland's longstanding “triple lock” defense policy, which currently requires UN Security Council approval for any deployment of peacekeepers abroad.

The proposed legislative changes would remove the veto powers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council over Irish peacekeeping missions, contingent upon approval by both the Irish government and the Dáil Éireann, the lower house of Parliament.

Harris affirmed that these changes would not compromise Ireland's military neutrality but are intended to enhance the country's capability to engage in international peacekeeping and crisis management.

Ireland has not participated in any UN-approved peacekeeping mission since 2014.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to join the leaders' call hosted by Zelensky, where he will emphasize that any peace negotiations regarding Ukraine must include the Ukrainian leadership.

Starmer's discussions will come ahead of his visit to Washington, where he aims to maintain strong ties with U.S. officials amidst the backdrop of Trump's recent disparagement of Zelensky and Ukraine's role in the conflict.

Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have stressed the necessity for unified European leadership in supporting Ukraine, following concerns that the U.S. might change its stance on providing military and economic support in light of Trump's return to power.

As the war in Ukraine progresses into its fourth year, leaders across Europe express apprehension regarding the implications of any peace talks not involving Ukraine, raising alarms about negotiating terms that could lead to a compromised state for Ukraine without its consent.

The potential ramifications extend beyond Ukraine, as European leaders warn that any weak peace agreement may destabilize broader regional security.

In response to the evolving situation, the UK government has announced new sanctions aimed at individuals linked to the Kremlin, further signaling its commitment to supporting Ukraine as discussions concerning its future continue.