Ukrainian leader to make first official visit to Ireland

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make his first official visit to Ireland tomorrow, December 2, Irish Prime Minister Taoiseach Micheal Martin announced.

The president will be accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, with the program including meetings with Prime Minister Martin, Irish President Catherine Connolly, and Foreign Minister Helen McEntee, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sky News.

Zelenskyy and Martin are set to hold bilateral talks and attend the opening of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, aimed at expanding trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Martin emphasised that it is an honour for Ireland to host Zelenskyy, highlighting his role as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience since the Russian invasion began.

Since 2022, Ireland has been a key partner for Kyiv, providing refuge to around 120,000 Ukrainians.

The announcement of the visit comes as top Ukrainian officials held extensive talks with the United States in Florida on November 30 regarding a potential peace settlement.

Ireland has provided substantial humanitarian and non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine since 2022, in total, roughly €380 million as of late 2025.

In September 2024, Ukraine and Ireland signed a formal “Support and Cooperation” agreement, committing Dublin to long‑term political, humanitarian, security‑related, reconstruction and reform‑assistance measures.

Ireland supports Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union and backs Kyiv’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European path — cooperating through EU frameworks and bilateral initiatives.

Alongside financial aid, Ireland has welcomed numerous Ukrainian refugees, providing shelter, social support and integration help under European protection programmes.

By Jeyhun Aghazada