The aircraft carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was shadowed by four military-style drones as it prepared to land at Dublin Airport on Monday, in what security sources have described as a deliberate hybrid attack.
Flight Path Breach and Naval Target
According to a report in The Journal, the drones took off from a location in northeast Dublin and flew towards the presidential flight path, directly violating a no-fly zone established for the state visit. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) had implemented the specific restriction over and around Dublin to coincide with President Zelensky's arrival.
Security sources indicated the drones were large, military-type devices. After reportedly missing Zelensky's approaching aircraft, the drones shifted their focus to the LÉ William Butler Yeats, an Irish Naval Service vessel deployed off the coast. The vessel was reportedly unable to disable the drones with its onboard equipment.
Gardaí Launch Investigation into Origins
Gardaí have launched a full investigation but have not yet confirmed the drones' point of origin or who was controlling them. Authorities are working to establish whether the devices were launched from land or from an undetected ship that slipped past radar systems.
The incident occurred during President Zelensky's first-ever state visit to Ireland, where he addressed the Dáil and received a standing ovation. He urged Ireland to take an active role in calling for a tribunal concerning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Pattern of European Hybrid Attacks
This event echoes a worrying pattern of drone incursions across Europe in recent months, which have been widely attributed to Russian hybrid warfare tactics aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. Airports in Germany, Denmark, and Belgium have faced closures due to similar drone activity.
Russia has consistently been accused of orchestrating such attacks to test response times, spook the public, and disrupt travel. President Vladimir Putin has previously laughed off accusations of interference. Just this Tuesday, Putin stated he is ready to fight a war with Europe if provoked, accusing European leaders of sabotaging US-led peace efforts.
The incident is not isolated for European leaders travelling by air. Earlier this year, a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was reportedly jammed while travelling to Bulgaria, with authorities initially suspecting Russian interference.
