EU can't join ..yet

TAOISEACH Micheal Martin has cast doubt on the idea that Ukraine may be able to join the EU with immediate effect.

- DOMINIC MCGRATH and CIARA PHELAN

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The Ukrainian president indicated that he would like his country to join the bloc as soon as possible.

But, speaking in Dublin, Mr Martin said: “I don't know whether it can be done immediately.

“But I certainly would be a proponent and supporter of accelerating it and making it very clear that they can become members of the European Union.

"I've always favoured the acceleration of the European perspective for countries in our neighbourhood."

The Taoiseach also said the Irish decision to fund items such as PPE, medical equipment and supplies for Ukraine, as part of a wider EU package, does not undermine Ireland's long-standing military neutrality.

The EU announced on Sunday an unprecedented set of measures to support Ukrainians, confirming it will close its air space to Russian airlines, fund supplies of weapons to Ukraine and ban some pro-Kremlin media outlets.