We truly value that during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Taoiseach Micheál Martin @MichealMartinTD is with us, with Ukraine, that you're standing with Ukraine, seeing for yourself what's happening, and understanding what we need to defend ourselves and protect people's lives. Today we discussed the threats and challenges we face right now, as we approach the fall, when Putin is preparing new attacks against Ukraine, additional mobilization in Russia, and a further expansion of the war. It's important that today we have a decision on the European Union's new sanctions package against Russia. And I'm grateful to every European leader who made this possible. This is already the 21st package, and today Micheál assured me that he will work toward the 22nd. Now, during Ireland's Presidency of the EU, there are also decisions on the clusters for Ukraine. Two clusters have already been opened, and I am grateful for the readiness to keep supporting this work. It's very important that Ireland, as the country holding the Presidency, provides leadership, and that Ukraine can count on opening the remaining clusters. I thank Ireland and all our partners across Europe, in America, and around the world for their tangible support – and for a new support package from Ireland. It makes a difference. I thank all the people of Ireland for caring.

Together, we met in Dublin with @PresidentIRL Catherine Connolly. We are here on an official visit today. Among the main issues, we discussed the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, two Irish universities joining the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, Ukraine’s accession to the EU, and the steps and decisions to help accelerate this process. We also discussed cooperation on ensuring global food security, the rehabilitation and social reintegration of Ukrainian warriors, and the construction of shelters in our schools. I thank Ireland for its support, and for the financial and humanitarian assistance it has provided since the start of Russia’s full-scale war. For all types of support to our people. This means a lot to Ukraine.