Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to arrive in Ireland today for first state visit

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet President Catherine Connolly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee during his visit to Ireland. Picture: AP

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive in Ireland today for his first formal visit to the State.

Mr Zelenskyy will arrive in Dublin on Monday evening, with formal engagements expected to begin tomorrow, Tuesday.

He is set to pay a courtesy call to Áras an Uachtaráin to meet with President Catherine Connolly.

There will also be a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee.

It is understood that Mr Zelenskyy will address a joint sitting of the Oireachtas during his visit.

He previously addressed TDs and Senators via video link in 2022, just months after the full-scale Russian invasion began.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the first official visit by a president and first lady of Ukraine to Ireland.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address a joint sitting of the Oireachtas during his visit. He previously addressed TDs and senators by video link on Wednesday April 6, 2022. File picture: Maxwells/PA

“Around the world, he [Zelenskyy] is rightly recognised as someone who embodies the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia,” Mr Martin said.

“The president’s visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing. 

"I look forward to discussing with President Zelenskyy the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible."

Mr Martin said the Ukrainian defence forces “continue to defend their homeland with remarkable tenacity”.

“I look forward to reiterating Ireland’s unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.”