Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, arrived in Dublin for a one-day official visit to the Republic of Ireland, marking the first state visit by a Ukrainian presidential couple to the country. They were welcomed at Dublin Airport by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne, reflecting the strong support of the Irish government for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.

President Zelensky’s schedule included a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and a courtesy visit to Irish President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin. He also addressed both houses of the Irish parliament, the Dáil and the Seanad, offering a direct platform to communicate with lawmakers and the public. Zelensky attended the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum alongside Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee, emphasizing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.

The Irish government highlighted that the visit reinforces the “very close and warm relations” between Ireland and Ukraine, particularly in the context of ongoing war. Since February 2022, Ireland has welcomed over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees with an estimated 80,000 still residing in the country, strengthening the humanitarian and cultural bonds between the nations.

The human impact of the war was poignantly expressed by Ukrainian refugees living in Ireland. Uriivna Olena, attending Ukrainian Mass every Sunday in north Dublin, shared prayers for children, soldiers, and civilians affected by the conflict. Tetiana Bilous expressed hope for an end to the “terrible war” and gratitude for Ireland’s support. Long-term resident Mykhaylo Fedynyshyn attended Mass, wishing his relatives in Ukraine a life free from “missiles, sirens, and explosions,” while expressing belief in a Ukrainian victory.

In anticipation of the visit, An Garda Síochána implemented rolling traffic restrictions around Dublin. Commuters traveling to Dublin Airport were advised to allow additional time due to closures and security measures on Chesterfield Avenue, Phoenix Park, Kildare Street, Merrion Street, Merrion Square, Government Buildings, Leinster House, Stephens Green South and East, and Leeson Street to ensure the safety of the high-profile events.