Dublin Rally: Neutrality Advocates Challenge EU Leaders on Ukraine Strategy
Approximately 1,000 demonstrators gathered in Dublin to demand a negotiated peace, arguing that military spending in Europe is escalating without yielding results.
By Amit Ricci ·
A march of roughly 1,000 people descended on Molesworth Street in Dublin on Wednesday, positioning themselves directly opposite the European Political Community meeting. The demonstrators, who favor Irish neutrality, sought to interrupt the proceedings by demanding a halt to what they describe as increasing European military budgets.
Richard Boyd-Barrett, a People Before Profit TD, addressed the crowd to argue that the conflict in Ukraine has stalled. He noted that hundreds of thousands of people have died on both sides, a statistic he used to question the continued financial commitment to the war effort.
"Young Ukrainians and young Russians are being conscripted into a hopeless war," Boyd-Barrett stated. He contended that a neutral nation like Ireland should be leading diplomatic efforts rather than increasing war expenditure. When asked if Ukraine should cede occupied territory, he drew a parallel to the 1921 treaty with Britain, noting that Ireland maintained its aspiration for reunification despite ending military conflict.
The protest featured a heavy Garda presence. Police prevented the group from marching down Nassau Street toward the National Gallery. That location hosted a dinner for EU leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Boyd-Barrett also cited his belief that 143 Ukrainian residents in Ireland were returning to fight, comparing the situation to the loss of Irish lives in World War I. Sinead Gibney, a Social Democrats TD, and actor Liam Cunningham also spoke at the rally.
