Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has commenced a historic state visit to Ireland, arriving in Dublin late on Monday night to discuss ongoing international efforts to broker a ceasefire in the war with Russia.
A Critical Diplomatic Engagement
Taoiseach Micheál Martin personally welcomed President Zelensky on the tarmac at Dublin Airport following his arrival from Paris, where he had held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit, occurring on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, marks the first time a Ukrainian head of state has undertaken a state visit to Ireland.
Mr Martin stated he looked forward to using the visit to reaffirm Ireland's steadfast support for Ukraine. The Taoiseach emphasised that the visit comes at a "critical time" for the nation, which continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion, the largest armed conflict in Europe since the Second World War.
Schedule of Key Events in Dublin
The Ukrainian leader's itinerary for Tuesday is packed with significant diplomatic and economic engagements. President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska began the day with a courtesy call to Ireland's President, Catherine Connolly, at Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park.
Following this, Mr Zelensky is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum alongside Irish Tánaiste (Deputy Premier) Simon Harris. The focal point of the visit will be an address to a joint sitting of the Oireachtas at Leinster House in the afternoon. He will be introduced by the Ceann Comhairle (Speaker), Verona Murphy.
This appearance in the Irish parliament holds particular significance. In April 2022, President Zelensky addressed the chamber via videolink, thanking Ireland for its support and stating the country had not remained neutral to the "disaster" inflicted by Russia.
Peace Plan Discussions and Territorial Control
The Dublin visit forms part of a wider European diplomatic tour by President Zelensky, occurring against the backdrop of intensified peace negotiations. Ukrainian and American officials have been working to revise a US-authored ceasefire proposal, which has been developed through negotiations between Washington and Moscow.
However, the initial plan has faced criticism for appearing to lean too heavily towards Russian demands. Speaking in Paris on Monday, President Zelensky indicated that the peace plan now "looks better" following revisions, but he singled out the issue of Ukraine's sovereignty over its own territories as "the most complicated" topic under discussion.
This state visit to Ireland underscores the continued international focus on the conflict and Ireland's role within the European response, balancing its traditional military neutrality with strong political and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
