Zelenskyy urges sanctions on Russia-controlled companies at start of Ireland's EU presidency

Dublin Castle ceremony launches presidency

Ireland took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026 with a flag-raising ceremony at Dublin Castle. Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed European Council President António Costa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing Ireland as "a beacon of hope for the transformative potential of the European idea". The presidency, Ireland's eighth since joining the EEC in 1973, runs until December 2026 and will see the country guide negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget and enlargement.

We will stand unswervingly by the people of Ukraine, inspired by their courage, and determined to ensure that they get the peace and justice they deserve.

Zelenskyy demands crackdown on Russia-linked firms

Addressing the gathering, Zelenskyy pressed for new sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet" and against European companies still supplying the Kremlin. He singled out businesses "owned or effectively controlled by Russia and its sanctioned oligarchs" that "keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials, even now". The remarks landed as the Irish Department of Enterprise investigates alumina exports from the Limerick-based Aughinish Alumina refinery, following reports the material reaches Russian arms manufacturers.

I urge you to continue this support through new European Union sanctions, and they are needed against Russia's shadow fleet and against many of the tools Putin still relies on to keep this war going.

Unfortunately, there are companies in Europe that are owned or effectively controlled by Russia and its sanctioned oligarchs. They keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials, even now.

Neutrality and the defence spending debate

At Government Buildings, Martin was asked how a neutral state with "low defence spending" could credibly promote EU security. He responded that countries on the eastern flank "see an existential threat to their way of life, from the threatening behaviour of Russia" and stressed the need to communicate that perspective to the Irish public. The Taoiseach pointed to Ireland's participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace and its role in the Common European Security and Defence Policy, highlighting cyber security and undersea infrastructure as priorities.

Of course, Nato is the key element of European security and defence. But European security and defence goes beyond Nato.

Budget and enlargement as presidency priorities

Both Martin and Costa cited conclusion of the EU's next multiannual financial framework by the end of 2026 as a central goal. Costa called it "our main common challenge" and insisted the budget must have "the resources it needs to deliver on what our citizens expect". Zelenskyy urged that Ukraine's EU accession "must keep moving forward", and Martin said it was possible "in theory" for Ukraine to join while the war continues, describing a merit-based approach already applied to Western Balkan candidates.