Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has addressed security concerns surrounding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent diplomatic visit to Dublin, confirming the detection of unidentified drones near naval assets but emphasizing they posed no threat to the Ukrainian leader’s aircraft. The incident occurred during President Zelensky’s single-day official visit with First Lady Olena Zelenska last week.
According to Martin’s statement before the Dáil, crew members aboard the Irish naval vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats observed multiple unidentified drones operating near Howth over the Irish Sea during the day of the visit. The Taoiseach clarified that these sightings occurred ‘quite some time’ after President Zelensky’s plane had already landed safely at Dublin Airport, eliminating any direct aviation security risk.
Martin characterized the drone activity as ‘highly concerning’ and indicative of ‘an ongoing Russian-inspired hybrid campaign targeting European and Ukrainian interests.’ He noted similar incidents have occurred across other European states, suggesting a coordinated pattern of psychological operations rather than immediate physical threats.
The Irish leader detailed that an immediate operational response was initiated by the naval commander upon detection, with subsequent coordination between police and military authorities. Despite the unsettling nature of the incident, Martin affirmed that overall security operations during President Zelensky’s Irish visit remained ‘effective’ and uncompromised.
The disclosure highlights growing concerns about non-conventional security threats during high-profile diplomatic events, particularly involving nations directly engaged in geopolitical conflicts. Irish authorities continue to investigate the origin and purpose of the drone incursions while maintaining heightened security awareness.