Ireland could send peacekeepers to Ukraine if ceasefire is agreed with Russia

Micheal Martin attended a meeting with other European leaders today to discuss the best course of action for ensuring peace in Ukraine.

Taoiseach Michael Martin attended an online meeting with other European leaders in relation to the situation in Ukraine.

According to sources, there was a strong belief that the "steadfast support for Ukraine" should continue.

There was also a shared agreement that any ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia should involve a "just, sustainable and durable peace" and that there must be "credible security guarantees provided for Ukraine."

Reports coming from the meeting have indicated that Ireland would consider sending Defence Forces Peacekeepers to Ukraine.

It is still "far too early" to discuss this idea according to Defence Minister Simon Harris.

Chief Whip Mary Butler published a legislative programme on Tuesday, which included plans to amend the Defence Acts to change the provisions surrounding the deployment of Defence Forces for service outside of the State.

At the moment, only 12 members of the Defence Forces can be despatched without permission from the government, the Oireachtas and the UN.

However, peace talks regarding Ukraine may have encountered a bump in the road, following Donald Trump's recent comments.

The US President labelled Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy "a dictator" and also blamed Ukraine for starting the war with Russia.