Dublin: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday addressed the Irish parliament, asserting that Ukraine is 'closer to peace than ever before' and urging the international community to leverage current diplomatic momentum to end the ongoing conflict through united global action.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy highlighted a comprehensive briefing delivered by his team in Dublin, following recent discussions in the United States regarding a proposed peace plan. He emphasized that negotiations are intensifying and described a genuine opportunity for peace, urging the global community to seize this chance collectively, rather than relying on individual nations.

Zelenskyy advocated for the necessity of global unity in restoring justice and defending what is right, stating that while a single nation can initiate a war, achieving peace requires a concerted effort from a community of nations. He underscored that unified support from different voices standing together for justice could lead to a singular outcome: peace.

In his address, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Ireland for its unwavering support, acknowledging the country's understanding of freedom's value and its significant role in sustaining international pressure on Russia. Ireland's commitment was further solidified with the announcement of an additional £125 million ($145 million) in support for Ukraine as part of a new five-year partnership roadmap between Ireland and Ukraine.

The 2030 Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, building on a previous agreement from 2024, is designed to enhance cooperation in several areas, including politics, security, economics, and culture. It aims to provide recovery assistance and foster innovation links, culminating in an Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum.

Out of the new support package, £100 million ($116 million) is allocated for non-lethal military aid to assist Ukraine in countering Russian missile and drone attacks, while the remaining funds will support reconstruction and various broader initiatives.