Ireland Will Not Participate in Ukraine ‘Deterrent’ Force, Says PM

LONDON, 6 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has confirmed that Ireland will not deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a “deterrent force,” though he expressed willingness to contribute to a peacekeeping mission should a ceasefire be established.

Speaking at an Irish-British summit in Liverpool on Wednesday, Martin clarified Ireland’s stance, stating, “If a ceasefire develops, or if there is a cessation of hostilities, Ireland has always been open to peacekeeping, but we wouldn’t be part of a deterrent force. These are two different and distinct issues.”

France and the United Kingdom have indicated their readiness to send troops to Ukraine to uphold a potential ceasefire, with support from the United States. However, specific details regarding the role of these forces remain unclear.

Last week, following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ireland, Martin proposed Ireland’s involvement in a peacekeeping mission rather than any military deterrence strategy.

Although Ireland is not a member of NATO, its military, comprising approximately 8,500 personnel, has a long-standing history of contributing to international peacekeeping operations. However, its rules of engagement are highly restrictive, typically allowing military action only in self-defence.

Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, the Irish government has proposed scrapping the “triple lock” mechanism, which currently requires United Nations approval before deploying Irish troops abroad. The move has sparked political debate, with opposition parties arguing that the triple lock is a fundamental aspect of Ireland’s neutrality.

Ireland’s commitment to its policy of neutrality remains a key discussion point as European nations navigate their responses to the ongoing war in Ukraine.