Zelensky's Historic Visit to Ireland: Strengthening Ties and Support

Fri Dec 05 2025 11:37:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set for a landmark visit to Ireland, the first by a Ukrainian leader, to meet Irish officials and inaugurate the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum amidst ongoing support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is making a historic visit to Ireland on Tuesday, marking the first official trip by a Ukrainian leader. He will meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the newly-inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly to discuss collaboration and support as Ukraine continues to face challenges from Russia. This visit is crucial for reinforcing the close relationship between Ukraine and Ireland, particularly in light of the over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees living in Ireland since the outbreak of war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin in Dublin on Tuesday.

This visit will be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady.

President Zelensky will also meet the newly-inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly on a 'courtesy call,' the Irish government has said.

Additionally, he is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, alongside Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.

More than 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought refugee status in Ireland since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022. While some have returned, about 80,000 are estimated to still reside in Ireland.

The Irish government stated that the visit provides a chance to solidify 'the very close and warm relations' between the two countries and indicate Ireland's steadfast support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.

Taoiseach Martin highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people in their fight for sovereignty and emphasized the importance of this visit at a critical time for both Ukraine and Europe.