Irish police have opened an investigation after unidentified drones were detected flying near Dublin during a high-profile official visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Security Alert During High-Profile Visit
The incident occurred on Monday night, December 6, 2025, as President Zelensky and his wife, Olena, landed in Dublin for a one-day diplomatic trip. The visit resulted in Ukraine securing a significant £110 million in support for its war effort against Russia.
According to official reports, crew aboard the Irish Naval Service vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats detected the unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the vicinity of Howth, a coastal area north of Dublin, around the time of the Ukrainian leader's arrival.
Government Response and Security Concerns
Senior Irish government figures were briefed on the drone presence earlier this week. Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin confirmed the matter would be discussed at a National Security Council meeting later in December.
"It’s been a feature now across Europe in more recent times the emergence of drones in the airspace of other colleagues in the European Union member states," Martin stated. He linked the heightened activity to the ongoing conflict, noting increased focus on cyber security, maritime issues, and drones since the onset of the war in Ukraine.
When questioned on whether Russia could be behind the incident, the Taoiseach declined to speculate, saying, "I’m not going to make any comment until we have a full review." The Irish Defence Forces also stated it had no comment on the specifics of the alleged incident.
A Successful Visit Amid Tensions
Despite the security alert, authorities have declared the visit a success. A Defence Forces spokesperson said their support to the Garda Síochána-led security operation was "successfully deployed," ultimately ensuring a safe and successful visit.
At a joint press conference, Micheál Martin emphasised the value of the friendship between Ireland and Ukraine, calling it a relationship built on shared values of freedom and democracy. He stated Zelensky's trip came at a "critical moment" for both Ukraine and Europe.
President Zelensky expressed gratitude for Ireland's support, describing the country as "neutral but not indifferent." He announced a new five-year partnership agreement between the two nations and expressed hope that Ukraine would become a member of the European Union within that period.
The police investigation into the origin and purpose of the drones is now ongoing.
