PUTIN'S NEVER NEVER LAND

We cannot allow borders to be redrawn by force, savs Taoiseach

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK and ASHLEY COWBURN

INTERNATIONAL borders must not be changed by force, the Taoiseach has said, ahead of a meeting between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine.

Micheal Martin attended a virtual leaders' meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" in support of Ukraine yesterday.

The call was convened by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Today, Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting Donald Trump with several EU leaders, including Mr Starmer, also travelling to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian President.

Mr Martin, who will not be in Washington, said he had assured Mr Zelensky yesterday that Ireland will "continue to steadfastly support Ukraine".

EU leaders have agreed that sanctions and wider economic measures "will be reinforced" if Russia continues its military action.

AGGRESSION

The Taoiseach also said that he believes Ukraine needs "long-term security guarantees".

Speaking after yesterday's online conference, Mr Martin said: "I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine.

"We had a very useful engagement with President Zelensky as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington.