Visit of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to Ireland
- Published on: 1 December 2025
- Last updated on: 1 December 2025
On behalf of the Government, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has today (Monday) welcomed the visit of the President and First Lady of Ukraine to Ireland.
Tomorrow’s (Tuesday) visit will be the first official visit to Ireland by a President of Ukraine and First Lady.
The visit is an opportunity to demonstrate and underpin the very close and warm relations between Ireland and Ukraine, Ireland’s steadfast support as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s illegal war, and our recognition of the valued contribution the Ukrainian community that has sought refuge here has made to communities throughout the country.
President Zelenskyy will have a number of engagements during his visit, including a bilateral meeting with the Taoiseach and the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, alongside the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In addition, President Zelenskyy will pay a courtesy call on President Connolly.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach said:
“It is an honour to welcome President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to Ireland. Around the world, he is rightly recognised as someone who embodies the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia.
“I have met with President Zelenskyy many times, including in Kyiv, but I particularly look forward to greeting him on this first official visit of a Ukrainian President to Ireland.
“The people of Ukraine continue to endure the nightly onslaught of Russian missiles and drones on their cities. Their defence forces continue to defend their homeland with remarkable tenacity. They are entitled to the unequivocal support of all who stand for international law and for the principles of the UN Chater, especially the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. I look forward to reiterating Ireland’s unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.
“The President’s visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing. I look forward to discussing with President Zelenskyy the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible.
“The inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum also offers an opportunity to explore the potential for strengthened business-to-business, trade and investment links between Ireland and Ukraine.
“We also want to see a Ukraine that is fully part of our European Union family, and I particularly look forward to discussing with the President how Ireland can assist in accelerating Ukraine’s journey towards EU membership, including during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
“I will also be telling the President about the remarkable story of the Ukrainian people who have sought refuge in Ireland since 2022. In that period, we have welcomed over 120,000 Ukrainians seeking safe haven. Some have returned, some have moved on and many have remained, but all have made a great contribution to our society through their hard work and vibrant culture, becoming valued members of our communities.
“I look forward to welcoming their President and First Lady to Ireland and strengthening the long-standing Ireland-Ukraine friendship and discussing how we can work together to achieve a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine.”