Zelenskyy Meets Taoiseach in Dublin to Discuss Drone Co-production

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in Dublin on Wednesday ahead of meetings with US envoys and European leaders, as reported by The Journal.

Zelenskyy touched down at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell shortly before 4:15pm before traveling to Government Buildings to meet with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, RTÉ noted. The visit coincides with the European Political Community summit hosted at the National Convention Centre, bringing roughly 50 European leaders to the Irish capital, according to RTÉ.

Martin praised Ukraine’s resilience during a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting, describing Russian attacks as barbarous and vile, as reported by RTÉ.

“They may be tired of war, but they remain standing tall and unbroken despite all that they have faced,” Martin said. The Taoiseach added that Ireland has placed Ukraine at the heart of its European Union presidency program, noting that the country’s future belongs within the EU.

Zelenskyy thanked Ireland for its unwavering support and briefed Martin on infrastructure challenges and ongoing peace discussions, RTÉ reported. The Ukrainian president also addressed the potential return of citizens of military age, telling reporters that while situations are complex, he wants eligible individuals to return, whereas Martin said that Ireland does not envisage pursuing or sending people back, according to The Irish Times.

Ireland and Ukraine are exploring a joint memorandum on drone manufacturing and technology, according to Business Post reporting.

Martin said the Department of Defence is discussing a partnership to use Ukrainian expertise in unmanned drones, particularly for maritime security. Zelenskyy confirmed that his country is ready for co-production and expects the drone deal to become operational.

US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are scheduled to meet Zelenskyy in Dublin on Thursday evening, following direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, according to Business Post. Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about receiving a wholly positive report from the Russian delegation, telling reporters he wants specific discussion points brought back from Moscow, Business Post noted.

Kushner confirmed that the American delegation aims to make further progress on openings identified during the Abu Dhabi negotiations before debriefing Zelenskyy in Dublin. Martin confirmed that Ireland will provide full logistical support for Thursday’s meetings but will not participate directly.