Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin in Dublin on Tuesday. It will be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady.
President Zelensky will also meet newly-inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly on a courtesy call, the Irish government has stated. He is expected to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, alongside the Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.
Over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought refugee status in Ireland since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, with around 80,000 estimated to remain in the country. The Irish government emphasized that the visit serves to reinforce the strong relations between Ireland and Ukraine, as well as to recognize the contributions of the Ukrainian community.
Taoiseach Martin remarked that the visit comes at a critical time for both Ukraine and Europe, emphasizing the resilient defense of Ukrainian sovereignty against the ongoing Russian invasion. Discussions are anticipated to focus on how Ireland can further support Ukraine during this tumultuous period.
This diplomatic engagement builds on previous meetings between the leaders, with a notable encounter occurring in Ireland in February when Zelensky was en route to the United States, and another during Martin's visit to Kyiv in July 2022.
