Irish authorities are investigating four drones that appeared to be trying to follow or intercept Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plane as it arrived in Dublin, according to The Journal.
The Irish Garda told Newsweek, “An Garda Síochána does not comment on material published by third parties” in response to an email query.
The Irish Defense Forces subsequently told Newsweek: “For operational security reasons, Óglaigh na hÉireann has no comment on the specifics of any alleged incidents.”
“However, Defence Forces support to the security operation, led by An Garda Siochana, was successfully deployed in multiple means ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit by the President Zelensky to Ireland,” the forces press officer said.
Newsweek reached out to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the press offices of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Air Force for comment.
Why It Matters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Dublin on Monday for his first official state visit to Ireland, meeting with Prime Minister Micheál Martin and senior officials.
European nations have accused Russia of violating sovereign airspace with drones as part of “hybrid warfare” designed to induce confusion and anxiety among NATO allies who have provided Ukraine support throughout Russia’s invasion of its western neighbor.
Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia have each suffered these incursions, with each nation invoking NATO Article Four, which calls for high-level talks on a potential response, as NATO and Europe grapple with how to handle these seeming provocations.
What To Know
At this time, the origin of the drones and who may have controlled them remains unknown, according to reports, but security forces currently believe the drones were merely meant to disrupt Zelensky’s flight, as their lights were on as they flew.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly learned of the incident early on Tuesday morning, while Martin and the ministers of Justice and Defense were informed just hours after it occurred.
The Journal reported that Zelensky arrived in Ireland on Monday, ahead of schedule, only for four military-style drones of unknown origin to breach the designated no-fly zone that would have been his flight path.
The drones reached a location where Zelensky’s plane would have been had it arrived on time around 11 p.m. local time, arriving just as the plane would have passed that point.
Sources who spoke with The Journal said that the drones appeared to launch from northeast of Dublin and flew around for up to two hours. The drones also loitered above an Irish Navy vessel that had secretly deployed for Zelensky’s visit.
The vessel, LÉ William Butler Yeats, did not shoot down the drones but also lacked any capability to disable them, and a nearby Irish Air Corps aircraft also did not get involved. Deck lookouts spotted the drones because their lights were on as they flew.
Lines of inquiry include whether the drones were launched from an undetected ship.
What People Are Saying
The Office of the President of Ireland wrote on X on Tuesday: “This morning, the President welcomed Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and First Lady Olena Zelenska to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote earlier this week on X: “Ukraine deeply appreciates the support and assistance of the Irish people and government, as well as everything they have provided to help strengthen our defense against Russian terror.”
“We discussed steps toward ending the war with a guaranteed peace for Ukraine and all of Europe, the importance of unity between Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and all those committed to global stability on this path,” Zelensky continued. “We also talked about security guarantees and cooperation on Ukraine’s path to the EU. We are grateful to Ireland for standing with us in all of these areas.”
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