Irish naval forces detected multiple drones operating close to the flight path of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's aircraft as he arrived for a state visit to Ireland on Monday, triggering a major security alert.
Security Incident Over Irish Waters
According to reports from Irish and Ukrainian media, an Irish navy ship spotted up to five unmanned aerial vehicles north-east of Dublin, approximately 20 kilometres from the airport. The drones were reportedly present at the precise location and time President Zelenskyy's plane was originally scheduled to pass.
The Irish Times indicated the sighting raised serious concerns about a potential attempt to interfere with the presidential flight path. However, unnamed sources confirmed the aircraft, which landed slightly ahead of schedule, was never in direct danger. Investigations are underway to determine the drones' origin, examining whether they launched from land or an undetected vessel.
Dmytro Lytvyn, an adviser to President Zelenskyy, stated Ukrainian officials were informed about the incident but concluded no changes to the visit programme were necessary. Ireland's Defence Forces declined to comment on specific security operations but confirmed their support ensured a "safe and successful visit."
Diplomatic Tensions and Peace Talk Warnings
The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic manoeuvring. During a visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his demand for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the eastern Donbas region, threatening to seize the territory by force otherwise.
European leaders have expressed scepticism about Moscow's engagement in peace efforts. A leaked note from a call between European leaders, reported by Der Spiegel, revealed French President Emmanuel Macron warned President Zelenskyy of a potential "big danger" in current negotiations. Macron suggested the United States might betray Ukraine on territorial issues without providing clear security guarantees.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly advised President Zelenskyy to be "very careful," accusing unnamed parties of "playing games" with both Ukraine and Europe. This comment was interpreted as a reference to a recent diplomatic mission to Moscow by Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Military and Economic Developments
On the ground, Ukraine's military reported striking the large Nevinnomyssky Azot chemical plant in Russia's Stavropol region overnight on Thursday, causing a fire. The facility is described as one of Russia's largest producers of components for explosives.
Meanwhile, discussions continue on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is set to discuss an EU "reparations loan" plan with Chancellor Merz. Belgium, which holds most of the frozen assets, has raised legal concerns about the proposal.
In a related development, the US Treasury Department partially suspended sanctions on Lukoil-branded gas stations outside Russia, a move announced just two days after US envoys met with President Putin. The suspension lasts until at least 29 April, though measures preventing funds from flowing back to Russia remain.
Turkey has summoned Russian and Ukrainian envoys following a series of drone attacks on energy infrastructure in the Black Sea, warning both nations against targeting such facilities.
In the UK, more than 130 MPs have written to ministers urging that any US-brokered peace plan must include protections for the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia, an act widely considered a war crime.
