Ukraine dominates Dublin summit amid warnings over Europe’s security framework

The conflict in Ukraine dominated the opening of a major political summit in Dublin as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned European leaders of Russia’s desire to reshape the security framework of the continent.

In an address to the European Political Community meeting – the largest ever political and diplomatic event held in Ireland – Mr Zelensky said it was important that Europe has a regular place at the negotiating table amid continued efforts to end the war.

Mr Zelensky also expressed concern at the latest speed restrictions on SpaceX’s Starshield satellite internet service over occupied parts of Ukraine where Russian drone attacks are launched from.

He told EPC delegates that the 100mph restriction was limiting Ukraine’s ability to take out the fast-moving jet-powered drones.

“This means more Russian strikes get through, and more of our people are killed, our civilians are killed by Russia,” he said.

“We are trying to get the details from the American side, but so far we know very little. But some things are already clear. If someone in America is making decisions that basically treat Ukrainian territory as if it is not Ukrainian, then this tells us where things are going. We need to be clear and never recognise Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory in any way.”

Arriving at the event amid high security in Dublin, French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe’s support for Ukraine was critical because “there is no more US support”.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will attend the EPC later on Thursday.

The meeting at the Convention Centre in Dublin city centre comes after Wednesday’s talks between delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the US in Abu Dhabi.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to meet Mr Zelensky in Dublin later on Thursday evening following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day.

Opening the plenary meeting, Irish premier Micheál Martin reiterated the continent’s support for Ukraine.

“The people of Ukraine deserve a just and lasting peace,” he said.

“They deserve to determine their own future. They have shown themselves to be brave and strong beyond measure, and it is long past time for Russia to stop this immoral war.”

Commenting on his scheduled meeting with Mr Kushner and Mr Witkoff, President Zelensky told the EPC: “We will talk with them about the results of these negotiations over the past few days and it is very good that Europeans are now part of these talks, not directly yet, and not yet when the Russians are at the table, but Europeans are already involved, and we need to make sure that Europe becomes a regular part of these negotiations.

“From what I have heard from our delegation, the talks were serious, not empty.”

He said a proposed prison-of-war exchange between Russia and Ukraine was important.

Mr Zelensky then referred to the issue of security guarantees.

“And here Europe really needs to pay attention,” he said.

“When the Americans and Russians talk about this, it’s not just about security guarantees for Ukraine.

“In fact, it’s more about some kind of new security framework between Europe and Russia, and we find this approach a bit strange, because for 30 years after the Soviet Union collapsed, Europe treated Russia well, and Europe tried to have as much trade as possible, as much co-operation as possible, and as good relations as possible with Russia.

“Putin’s wars are really about only his attitude toward others, not some kind of permanent confrontation with Europe that was impossible to avoid, but still we hear what we hear today. We are waiting for more details and Europe needs to pay close attention.”

Earlier, Mr Macron told reporters it was up to Europe to define the future of its own security.

“It’s important today what we do with Ukraine and to clearly keep supporting them,” he said.

“I think it is very important as well to endorse very clear principles and commitments as Europeans in this wider Europe, which is this European Political Community, in order to make sure that we design, ourselves, our own security principles and our own architecture of security.

“I think what’s important is what we do. Without Europeans, there is no support for Ukraine. Let’s be honest.

“But look at the coalition of the willing. You have here today in Ireland probably 80% or 90% of the contribution of this coalition of the willing.

“It’s 100% of the support to Ukraine. We are those to support Ukraine. We are those to help them in this resistance war.

“There is no more US support. So, there is some mediation, fine, but at the end of the day, we will be the ones to define and decide for our future security as Europeans. I have no doubt about that.”

Around 50 heads of state as well as senior European Union officials are attending the EPC.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were among those arriving at the Convention Centre on Thursday morning amid the biggest security operation in the history of the Irish state.

UK President Andy Burnham arrived later, flying into Dublin after attending the UN Cop31 climate conference in Turkey.

His attendance comes as the UK announced sanctions against all 10 of Russia’s major oil producers.

The package includes sanctions on shadow fleet vessels illicitly transporting Russian oil, Russian oil company Slavneft, and Rosneft’s flagship Arctic oil and gas project, LLC Vostok Oil.

At the summit, the UK Prime Minister is co-chairing a security and defence roundtable, attending a meeting focused on Ukraine and holding a series of bilateral talks.

The EPC is being held in Dublin as part of Ireland’s six-month presidency of the EU Council.