Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Dublin on Tuesday, November 11, to secure continued support from Ireland as EU leaders gather for a high-level summit.
The visit highlights Ireland’s role in the European Political Community and advances discussions on potential drone manufacturing partnerships and urgent prisoner-of-war exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.
Strengthening the Dublin-Kyiv Partnership
President Zelensky met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Government Buildings to discuss the ongoing defense of Ukraine. This marks the third visit by the Ukrainian leader to Ireland within a 12-month period, a frequency the Taoiseach cited as evidence of the “enduring strength of the partnership” between the two nations, according to reporting by RTÉ.
During the bilateral meeting, the leaders explored practical avenues for cooperation, specifically regarding military technology. The Taoiseach confirmed that Ireland is examining a memorandum with Ukraine focused on the co-production of drones.
Together with my team, we are beginning our visit to Ireland. We have already arrived in Dublin to attend the 9th European Political Community Summit. Bilateral and multilateral meetings with our partners are scheduled for today and tomorrow. Around 20 leaders in total. I will… pic.twitter.com/fAJJMuk3P2
“Ireland has always shown a full understanding of what’s happening in Ukraine, and most importantly, of just how unjust Russia’s aggression is against all of us, against Ukraine, and against normal, peaceful life, peaceful life in Europe,” President Zelensky said. He emphasized that resolving the conflict requires deep European participation, describing the prospect of an isolated peace as both unjust and impossible.
Negotiations Focus on Prisoner Exchanges
The visit coincides with the conclusion of two days of U.S.-brokered negotiations in Abu Dhabi. These talks, led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, focused on post-war security frameworks and humanitarian efforts. While a peace agreement has not been reached, both sides confirmed progress on a prisoner-of-war exchange.
💬 FM #Lavrov: After the talks in Abu Dhabi, US negotiators will brief President #Putin in Moscow. He’ll also hear from Vladimir Medinskiy’s team. ☝️ The course we take will be geared towards achieving the objectives of the special military operation.https://t.co/C6sdZ9kOz8 pic.twitter.com/yA1VPpgpGB
President Zelensky said that he expects a reaction from the Russian delegation regarding a proposed exchange involving 1,000 to 1,200 prisoners. “That would be a very positive thing, and I don’t see any reasons for Russia to not accept that proposal,” he told reporters in Dublin, as covered by The Irish Times.
| Initiative | Status | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Prisoner Swap | Negotiation | Exchange of 1,000–1,200 detainees |
| Security Guarantees | Ongoing Dialogue | Defining post-war safety frameworks |
| Drone Co-production | Memorandum Phase | Maritime security technology transfer |
Geopolitical Stakes at the EPC Summit
The EPC, established in 2022 following the initial Russian invasion, functions as a platform for 50 European leaders to coordinate on continental security and stability.
The U.S. envoys are expected to meet with President Zelensky in Dublin following their consultations in Moscow. While the Abu Dhabi talks yielded optimism regarding humanitarian releases, the territorial dispute remains a primary obstacle. Moscow continues to insist on control over the Donbas and other occupied southern regions, while Kyiv maintains its focus on territorial integrity and long-term security assurances.
The Taoiseach reiterated that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union, noting that the country is a central pillar of Ireland’s current EU presidency program. “They may be tired of war, but they remain standing tall and unbroken despite all that they have faced,” the Taoiseach said. “They deserve our support. They deserve our help to keep their economy and society going.”
If a major prisoner exchange does indeed take place, the Abu Dhabi-meeting will have been worth it. That was all that could be expected, and that is all that came of it. Putin sticks to his maximum objectives. He is counting on wearing down Ukraine over the winter and driving a…
Security Measures in Dublin Tighten
The intensity of the diplomatic agenda has necessitated significant security measures across Dublin. Since early Tuesday morning, a security cordon has surrounded the National Gallery on Merrion Square, with additional restrictions extending to the National Convention Centre. The Samuel Beckett Bridge was closed as part of the security operations, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the gathering.
President Zelensky is scheduled to depart Ireland on Wednesday night following the conclusion of the EPC sessions.
