Irish police have launched a formal investigation following reports of unidentified drones operating during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's official visit to Ireland this week.
Security Alert Over Irish Sea
President Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, arrived in Dublin late on Monday night. According to local media reports, several unidentified drones were observed flying over the Irish Sea around the time the Ukrainian leader's aircraft landed at Dublin Airport.
Ireland's national police service, An Garda Síochána, confirmed the probe is being handled by its Special Detective Unit (SDU). "A Garda Siochana's Special Detective Unit (SDU) is investigating this matter," a statement read. "As part of this, SDU will be liaising with the defence forces and international security partners."
Diplomatic Meetings Amid Tensions
The Ukrainian president was in Ireland to hold talks with government officials and to meet the country's new president, Catherine Connolly. He also addressed a joint sitting of the Oireachtas, Ireland's parliament.
The visit drew criticism from the Russian ambassador to Ireland, Yuriy Filatov, who described it as part of "the ever-present desire of the Irish government to show loyalty to the EU anti-Russian policy line on Ukraine." Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin swiftly dismissed the ambassador's remarks, noting his "track record" of consistent attacks and reaffirming Ireland's stance. "The invasion of Ukraine by Russia was a fundamental, brutal violation of the United Nations Charter," Mr Martin stated.
A Wider Pattern of Drone Incidents
This security incident in Dublin is not isolated. It occurs against a backdrop of increasing drone sightings across Europe, particularly near critical infrastructure like airports and military bases.
In a related development last November, the United Kingdom announced it was deploying a specialist Royal Air Force team to assist Belgium in defending its airspace after a series of similar sightings of "rogue" drones in that country.
The investigation by Irish authorities underscores the evolving security challenges faced by European nations, where relatively accessible drone technology can pose significant risks to the safety of visiting dignitaries and national infrastructure.
