Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has touched down in Dublin for a historic first state visit by a Ukrainian leader to Ireland, arriving late on Monday, 1 December 2025.
A Critical Diplomatic Mission
President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska were greeted on the tarmac at Dublin Airport by Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne. The arrival, just before 11pm, was also attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ambassador Larysa Gerasko, and Ireland's envoy to Ukraine, Jonathan Conlon.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment, as the US administration attempts to broker a ceasefire based on a new peace plan. Mr Zelensky flew to Dublin directly from Paris, where he and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed cautious optimism about a US draft framework, despite earlier criticisms that it favoured Russian demands.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and EU Prospects
The Ukrainian president's packed schedule for Tuesday includes a courtesy call with Ireland's newly-inaugurated President, Catherine Connolly. A central event will be the launch of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum with Tánaiste Simon Harris, aimed at boosting trade and investment links.
Mr Zelensky is also set to deliver an address to the Irish parliament, recalling his powerful virtual speech to the Dáil in April 2022. On that occasion, he stated Ireland had not been neutral to the "disaster" wrought by Russia's invasion.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin hailed the visit as an honour, occurring at a "critical time" for Ukraine and Europe. He praised Mr Zelensky as embodying the courage of the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed Ireland's "unswerving commitment" to stand with Ukraine.
Context and Broader Implications
The diplomatic trip follows significant political turbulence in Kyiv, coming days after the resignation of Ukraine's chief negotiator and Mr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, whose home was searched by anti-corruption investigators.
Mr Martin emphasised Ireland's support for Ukraine's accelerated journey towards EU membership, a topic for discussion during Ireland's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. He also highlighted the contribution of over 120,000 Ukrainians who have sought refuge in Ireland since 2022, calling them "valued members of our communities."
This visit marks Mr Zelensky's second time on Irish soil, after a brief refuelling stop at Shannon Airport in February, which led to a meeting with Mr Martin and preceded a globally televised Oval Office exchange with US President Donald Trump.
