Taoiseach Micheál Martin will take part in a second meeting organised by President Macron on the future of Ukraine this afternoon.
The video conference comes following Monday’s in-person meeting in Paris of a select group of European leaders.
There was some disgruntlement amongst those who did not make the Paris guest list. Particularly because the UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, was invited even though Britain is no longer a member of the European Union.
Denmark, Poland, Spain, Germany, France and Italy took part in Monday’s meeting.
It is understood that this afternoon’s video conference is for those who were not present including the Taoiseach but also the leaders of Croatia, Greece and Luxembourg amongst others. Non-EU member Norway is also expected to join.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Taoiseach said he welcomes “this opportunity to exchange views with partners on Ukraine.”
President Macron is keen to play a leading role in getting European allies together.
Meanwhile European Council President Costa has started a “systematic” consultation of all EU27 leaders to get their views on security guarantees for Ukraine.
The EU is weighing up the need to convene an emergency summit in Brussels.
An EU source confirmed that for the moment, no such meeting is planned before the next regular get together of the EU27 in March.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said leaders will “consider how best we can continue to support Ukraine and how we can ensure a just, sustainable, and durable peace, in keeping with the principles of the UN Charter.
“I will argue that an important way for the EU to help guarantee Ukraine’s future security is to accelerate the process of joining the EU.
“Ukraine is part of the European family and has already undertaken many of the reforms necessary for membership in the most difficult of circumstances.
“As we approach the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion, Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and its people.”