Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to undertake a brief but significant official visit to Ireland, arriving at a pivotal moment for his nation's future.
A Critical Diplomatic Mission
The visit, scheduled for Monday 1 December 2025, will see President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska engage in high-level talks with Irish leaders. Their itinerary includes a meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and a courtesy call on Irish President Catherine Connolly.
This trip marks the first official state visit by a Ukrainian president and first lady to Ireland. Mr Zelensky's last presence on Irish soil was in February, when his aircraft refuelled at Shannon Airport ahead of a journey to Washington DC.
Forum Launch and EU Pathway Discussions
A central event of the visit will be the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, which President Zelensky will attend alongside Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris. The forum is designed to explore and strengthen business, trade, and investment links between the two countries.
In his welcoming remarks, Taoiseach Micheal Martin emphasised the broader strategic goals. "We want to see a Ukraine that is fully part of our European Union family," he stated, highlighting Ireland's intention to assist in accelerating Ukraine's journey towards EU membership. This support is particularly pertinent with Ireland set to hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
Mounting Pressure for Peace and Internal Turmoil
President Zelensky's diplomatic outreach comes amidst intense international pressure. The Ukrainian leader is reportedly under pressure from the United States to sign a peace deal with Russia.
This follows a recent round of talks involving representatives from the US, Russia, and Ukraine, held in the United Arab Emirates. The negotiations aim to find an agreement to end the nearly four-year-long full-scale Russian invasion.
The political landscape in Kyiv has also been shaken by the resignation of Ukraine's chief negotiator, Andrii Yermak, who is also President Zelensky's chief of staff. Mr Yermak's residence was searched by anti-corruption investigators on the Friday preceding this announcement.
Taoiseach Martin acknowledged the timing, stating the president's visit "comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe." He reiterated Ireland's "unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes" and praised the nation's remarkable tenacity.
Mr Martin also noted the significant Ukrainian community now in Ireland, with over 120,000 people having sought refuge there since 2022. He praised their contribution to Irish society through hard work and culture.
President Zelensky has previously addressed the Irish parliament, in a historic speech in April 2022 where he stated Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster inflicted by Russia.
