'It is a great honour to visit Ireland': Ukrainian flag and Christmas tree greet President Zelenskyy at Áras

In her first major event since becoming president, Catherine Connolly hosted Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, his wife Olena Zelenska with President Catherine Connolly in her study at Áras an Uachtaráin. Pictures: Tony Maxwell/Maxwells/PA Wire

All eyes were on Áras an Uachtaráin as the Ukrainian presidential motorcade sped through Phoenix Park on its way to meet with Ireland’s newly elected president.

Catherine Connolly has only been in the job for a little under a month, but one of the first major events of her term was hosting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska.

The Ukrainian flag flew alongside the Irish flag at the gates of the Áras, both fluttering in the breeze, as beefed-up security checked cars entering the grounds.

The house itself was done up, with garlands over the main entrance and a vibrant red carpet for Mr Zelenskyy, with some last-minute vacuuming taking place before the arrivals.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his wife Olena Zelenska, and President Catherine Connolly make their way down the Francini Corridor in Áras an UachtarÁin.

With hours to wait until Mr Zelenskyy arrived, journalists were ushered inside to the State Dining Room — where portraits of former presidents looked down upon them.

Newly joined is Michael D Higgins’ portrait, which was hung in the Áras in the days before his term expired, having previously held pride of place in Leinster House’s entrance hall.

A large Christmas tree sat by the window, decorated with plush stockings and small harps, while a real gingerbread house sat on a table beneath the portrait of Mary Robinson.

The large motorcade pulled into the Áras, including an armoured Garda car. Upon his arrival, Mr Zelenskyy quickly hopped out, with an aide sprinting over to take what appeared to be a phone from his hand.

Ms Connolly was waiting for him near the top of the red carpet, with a quick handshake between the two Heads of State before being guided into the Áras.

Mr Zelenskyy was led down the long Francini Corridor, passing busts of former presidents, before turning into the formal State Reception Room.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's message in the visitor book at Aras an Uachtaráin.

Sitting down at a small wooden table, the Ukrainian president quickly scrawled his name to a pre-written message, before the first lady did likewise.

The note read how it "is a great honour to visit Ireland" alongside his wife and to have been greeted by Ms Connolly.

"On behalf of the people of Ukraine, I express my sincere gratitude for Ireland's steadfast support during our fight against Russian aggression," Mr Zelenskyy said.

"We greatly appreciate Ireland's generosity in providing temporary shelter to displaced Ukrainians.

Ukraine values its friendship with Ireland and is committed to deepening our cooperation in pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

After standing up and facing the gathered press, two quick questions were fired at the presidents about weapons for Ukraine and funds for its future reconstruction.

While Ms Connolly’s eyes darted over, she didn’t respond before ushering her guests into the adjoining room.

Mr Zelenskyy did not answer either, but told gathered reporters he would be taking questions later in the afternoon.

The meeting itself was brief, with discussions focused on the prospect of peace in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the role Ireland can play as a neutral country.

The two presidents and their delegations also spoke of the contribution the Ukrainian community has played in Ireland.

Ms Connolly also raised the issue of forced kidnapping of Ukrainian children to Russia, while also praising the first lady for her advocacy on mental health.