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LAST UPDATE | 2 Dec
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR Zelenskyy has addressed a joint sitting of the Oireachtas and has attended a number of engagements across Dublin.
The Ukrainian president’s busy schedule began with a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uacharáin this morning.
He also held a joint press conference with Taoiseach Micheál Martin following bilateral talks at Government buildings this afternoon.
He will soon head for Dublin Airport and focus will turn to possible discussions between a Ukrainian delegation and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which will possibly come as soon as tomorrow in Brussels.
Updates by Diarmuid Pepper, Andrew Walsh, Sophie Finn, Jane Matthews and Christina Finn
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first official visit to Ireland.
We’ll be across the visit for the day, providing the latest updates here.
Zelenskyy’s got a busy schedule today. First, he’s making a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin.
He will then hold a bilateral meeting with the Taoiseach before addressing a joint sitting of the Oireachtas while in the capital at 2pm.
The Ukrainian leader will be met by Micheál Martin on the steps of Government Buildings this morning.
He also expected to meet with members of the Ukrainian community living in Ireland, and will also attend a trade-oriented event organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Our political correspondent Jane Matthews is over at Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of Zelenskyy’s arrival.
Zelenskyy was due to arrive there at 10am, but is delayed by about an hour.
We are in place at the Áras where preparations are well underway for the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, First Lady, Olena Zelenska.
— TheJournal Politics (@TJ_Politics) December 2, 2025
Zelenskyy will be the first foreign head of state to be welcomed to Áras an Uachtaráin by Catherine Connolly. pic.twitter.com/JVzhzYCeSF
It was all smiles yesterday evening as Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Dublin Airport.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin , who greeted them on the tarmac, said that he was “honoured to welcome” them.
We are in place at the Áras where preparations are well underway for the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, First Lady, Olena Zelenska.
— TheJournal Politics (@TJ_Politics) December 2, 2025
Zelenskyy will be the first foreign head of state to be welcomed to Áras an Uachtaráin by Catherine Connolly. pic.twitter.com/JVzhzYCeSF
Zelenskyy’s visit comes at a critical time for the Ukrainian peace plan, as US efforts continue to broker a ceasefire in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris yesterday as part of discussions on ending the conflict.
They joined a call with about a dozen other European leaders, including those of Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland and the European Union.
Elsewhere today, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold talks in Moscow to discuss the Trump administration’s controversial proposal to end the war in Ukraine.
Preparations are underway in the Phoenix Park for Zelenskyy’s visit to the Áras.
The (presidential?) hoover has been brought out to the front entrance.
A number of roads across Dublin will be temporarily closed today to facilitate Zelenskyy’s visit.
Gardaí have warned motorists of the following traffic restrictions:
Taoiseach Micheál Martin told reporters this morning that “the message is solidarity from Ireland with Ukraine.”
Speaking outside government buildings, Martin said: “we can’t have big powers like Russia arbitrarily invading a country in the manner that it did,” Martin said.
“We’ve known our famine, we’ve known our conflict, we believe in self-determination for people.”
Very pleased to welcome President @ZelenskyyUa and First Lady @ZelenskaUA for their first official visit to Ireland.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 2, 2025
We believe in sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This a message of solidarity and support from Ireland with Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/dpiS8DbIaK
Minister of State Thomas Byrne has also welcomed Zelenskyy to Ireland , stating that he was “honoured” to join the Taoiseach at Dublin Airport yesterday.
Speaking on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny show this morning, Byrne also dismissed any suggestions that the meeting between Zelenskyy and President Connolly this morning would be anything but amicable.
“I expect that it will be a warm meeting on behalf of the Irish people,” Byrne said of the upcoming Áras meeting.
“I think President Connolly will do a good job,” Byrne added, saying: “my observations of her as Leas Ceann Comhairle were that she did an excellent job.”
President Zelensky, welcome to Ireland!
— Thomas Byrne (@ThomasByrneTD) December 2, 2025
Honoured to join the Taoiseach last night, in welcoming the President and First Lady of Ukraine, on their arrival at Dublin Airport.
Ireland proudly stands with Ukraine today and always.
🇮🇪🤝🇺🇦🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/9XfUmXvrjI
Our Political Editor Christina Finn is outside Government Buildings this morning ahead of Zelenskyy’s visit.
He’s not expected to arrive there until midday.
Prep underway for the joint press conference at Government Buildings with the Taoiseach and Zelenskyy. pic.twitter.com/yY1UZZDgVa
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) December 2, 2025
President Zelenskyy has invited Adi Roche, the founder and CEO of Chernobyl Children International, to attend his state address in Leinster House today.
The invitation comes in recognition of Roche’s work supporting the victims and survivors of Chernobyl in Ukraine, which she began in 1986.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced an additional €125 million in financial support for Ukraine as part of a new roadmap for partnership with Ireland to cover the next five years.
At Government Buildings later today the Taoiseach and President Zelenskyy will this afternoon sign the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership.
Martin said: “Since 2022, Ireland has welcomed thousands of Ukrainians to Ireland. As I welcome their President here today, I reiterate the steadfast support of the Irish people for the people of Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy has arrived at Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Ukrainian President was greeted by President Catherine Connolly and will now go inside and sign the visitors’ book.
The Ukrainian President and First Lady Olena Zelenska have signed the Áras visitor book and briefly appeared before cameras.
A swift appearance in front of the cameras from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska as they sign the Áras visit book for President Catherine Connolly. pic.twitter.com/GJWnu40IGp
— TheJournal Politics (@TJ_Politics) December 2, 2025
Zelenkyy’s message for the Áras visitors’ book.
“It is a great honour to visit Ireland together with my wife Olena, and be received by the President of Ireland. On behalf of the people of Ukraine I express my sincere gratitude for Ireland’s steadfast support during the fight against Russian aggression,” it read.
“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.”
In pictures: President Connolly and President Zelenskyy’s first meeting at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Catherine Connolly escorted Ukraine’s First Lady and President down Francini Corridor in Áras an Uachtaráin to sign the visitors book.
Once he’s finished up in the Áras, the Ukrainian President is due to make his way to Government Buildings.
It’s worth noting that while today may be Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first official visit to Ireland as president of Ukraine, he has visited here before.
Zelenskyy, who was an actor and comedian before pursuing a career in politics, performed at a comedy gig at the Tommy Leddy Theatre in Drogheda as part of an Eastern European comedy setback in 2018.
Almost 1,000 people are reported to have attended the event.
Soldiers from the Defence Forces are currently at the entrance of Government Buildings awaiting the arrival of Zelenskyy’s motorcade.
They will form a guard of honour for him, and their flags will be dipped in military salute.
Zelenskyy was greeted warmly by Taoiseach Micheál Martin upon his arrival at Government Buildings.
The Ukrainian President is due to inspect the guard of honour and, along with Martin, sign the 2030 roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland partnership, which pledges an additional €125 million in financial support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives at Government Buildings and is met by Taoiseach Micheal Martin. pic.twitter.com/Coa28bNbH9
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) December 2, 2025
In pictures @thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/TpwSuiL0wd
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) December 2, 2025
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said this morning that Velenskyy’s visit “comes at a critical moment” in the war in Ukraine.
“Almost four years on from Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian people continue to endure devastating loss, displacement and suffering,” McDonald said.
“Sinn Féin stands firmly with the people of Ukraine and supports their right to sovereignty, freedom and self-determination.”
She added that the priority of the international community “must be the protection of civilians, the upholding of international law, and meaningful diplomatic efforts to end the war and bring about a sustainable and just peace.”
“Ireland is respected internationally, as a military neutral, for its voice on peace, human rights and international law.,” McDonald said.
“That voice must be used constructively and consistently – to promote ceasefires, support humanitarian relief, and to push relentlessly for diplomacy to replace war.
“Sinn Féin will continue to advocate for peace, for the protection of civilians, and for a political resolution that upholds international law. War can never be allowed to become normal,” she added.
Defence Forces personnel outside Government Buildings had a few practice rounds before Zelenskyy’s arrival.
Some practice run throughs before Zelenskyy arrives here at Govt Buildings pic.twitter.com/m2OkK8pQgh
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) December 2, 2025
A new garda Armoured Tactical Truck (ATT) is being used as part of Zelenskyy’s motorcade today.
The vehicle, which was reportedly purchased for around €500,000, was acquired by gardaí in September.
Here’s a look at Zelenskyy’s arrival at Government Buildings.
President Catherine Connolly has said that her earlier meeting with Zelenskyy included discussions on Ireland’s role in Ukraine after the war.
“Today’s meeting was the first such opportunity for the two Presidents,” a spokesperson for President Connolly said.
“Their discussions included the prospects for peace in Ukraine and the role that Ireland could play as a neutral country in securing a fair, just and enduring peace.
The spokesperson added that the Presidents also discussed the contribution of the Ukrainian community in Ireland, and the significant similarities in the histories of both countries.
“President Connolly was also interested to discuss the question of the enforced transfer of children from Ukraine and food security,” the spokesperson said.
“She paid tribute to the advocacy of the First Lady, Ms Zelenska regarding issues such as mental health.”
Céad mile fáilte, @ZelenskyyUa. 🇮🇪🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/6zwXovoprr
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 2, 2025
Journalists at Government Buildings have been given translation devices ahead of President Zelenskyy and Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s press conference, which is expected to kick off soon.
In a statement on social media, Zelenskyy thanked Ireland for its support, and for “the financial and humanitarian assistance it has provided since the start of Russia’s full-scale war”.
“For all types of support to our people. This means a lot to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that, during his visit to the Áras earlier, the two Presidents discusssed the return of Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia, Irish universities joining the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, and Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Together, we met in Dublin with @PresidentIRL Catherine Connolly. We are here on an official visit today.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 2, 2025
Among the main issues, we discussed the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, two Irish universities joining the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, Ukraine’s… pic.twitter.com/Jju2kmStH8
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are now addressing a press conference at Government Buildings.
Micheál Martin has spoken first, welcoming Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska.
“Céad Míle Fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes,” Martin said.
the Taoiseach added: “We all wish that your visit here was under different, happier circumstances.
“We hope that we will soon be able to welcome you back when peace has come to Ukraine and its people. You so richly deserve it, but your visit comes at a critical moment for Ukraine and for Europe, and your decision to visit today underlines the value you place in the friendship between Ukraine and Ireland.”
Martin also condemned Russia’s “relentless onslaught” on Ukraine since 2022, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin “must never be allowed to succeed” in gaining advantage at the negotiating table.
“Ukraine has a right to live in peace and freedom, and the people of Ukraine have shown great courage and resolve in defending themselves and in seeking to vindicate their rights,” Martin said.
“Ireland stands with Ukraine in affirming these principles and these rights. It is shocking that the people of Ukraine are subject to nightly onslaughts of Russian missiles and drones. The people of Ukraine deserve to be safe in their own homes.”
The Taoiseach said that, to date, Ireland has provided €340 million euro in financial support to Ukraine, including over €170 million in humanitarian supports and €166 million in non-lethal military assistance.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that we will provide a further €100 million in funding for non lethal military assistance, and another €25 million euro to help Ukraine support its energy system,” Martin said.
“Ireland will continue to support the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Martin said thousands of Ukrainians have come to Ireland since the Russian invasion and he said they have become part of the “rich tapestry that is today’s Ireland”.
He concluded by stating that Ireland “will continue do all we can to support a just and lasting peace for Ukraine”.
“I have always been clear, that nothing can be decided about Ukraine, without the involvement of Ukraine,” Martin said.
“We will be with you when peace prevails to support the recovery and reconstruction of your country. Thank you and Slava Ukraini.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke next.
He extended “special gratitude” to the government of Ireland, to all the communities of Ireland, and to “every Irish home that has sheltered our people here”.
“It is not easy. After all, it has been almost four years of full-scale war, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure that our people can return home safely to a country of peace,” Zelenskyy said.
“We’re working towards this goal, and I believe that we can achieve it.”
Zelenskyy says it’s high time Russian assets are transferred to Ukraine. He says Russia must be held accountable for its actions.
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) December 2, 2025
We are doing everything we can to ensure our people can return home, he says.
The pair are now taking questions from a number of journalists in attendance.
Asked about details of the latest peace plans, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian officials are “waiting for the results in America and Russia”, adding: “I will react according to the results”.
Asked if he plans to meet with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is currently in Moscow to disucss peace plans with Russian officials, Zelenskyy said that he had spoken with Witkoff yesterday.
“If I feel that we can count on real, specific dialogue, not just words with some results, we will meet,” Zelenskyy added.
Asked what Ireland’s post-war assistance in Ukraine might look like, the Taoiseach said that Ireland is “certainly open to contributing to peacekeeping and peace monitoring in Ukraine”.
“We are also obviously willing to help in reconstruction, and quite a number of Irish companies are operating within Ukraine and particularly in the construction field,” Martin added.
Zelenskyy and Martin were in no rush to address a question on reduced support for Ukrainian refugees in state accommodation.
Here’s another look at the press conference.
Zelenskyy was earlier asked if he plans to meet with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is currently in Moscow to discuss peace plans with Russian officials.
“If I feel that we can count on real, specific dialogue, not just words with some results, we will meet,” said Zelenskyy.
But in the past few minutes, a Ukrainian official has told the news agency AFP that a Ukrainian delegation could meet Witkoff in Europe tomorrow.
Zelenskyy was due to address a joint sitting of the Oireachtas at around 3pm but has been pushed back a bit.
He is now due to make that address in about 15 minutes.
And some more info on that possible meeting between a Ukrainian delegation and US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Witkoff is in Moscow today to meet with with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a senior Kyiv official told AFP that a delegating could meet in Europe tomorrow.
“The Ukrainian side … does not rule it out and is ready” to meet them, the source said, adding that the talks could be held in Brussels but there was “no clear agreement yet” on such meeting.
But ahead of those talks in Moscow, Putin has warned that Russia is “ready” for war if Europe seeks one.
He accused Europe of trying to sabotage a deal on the Ukraine conflict before he met with US envoys.
“We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin said ahead of talks with Witkoff and Kushner.
Zelenskyy pictured with Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy ahead of his joint address to the Oireachtas.
Zelenskyy will address both Houses of the Oireachtas momentarily, but before that, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy will deliver her opening remarks.
He is currently being applauded into the chamber.
In her opening remarks, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy welcomed Zelenskyy to Leinster House and added that his wife and Ukraine’s First Lady “has become a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and dignity – a model for women worldwide”.
Murphy remarked that “war is never a solution” and added: “Ireland knows this truth. Our own history teaches that dialogue – however difficult – can bring peace.”
She pointed to the Good Friday Agreement and remarked that it was “born from decades of pain and division, yet it proved that even the deepest wounds can heal when people choose negotiation over violence”.
“That lesson gives us hope for Ukraine,” added Murphy.
Murphy adds that “we must continue to provide refuge” and “provide humanitarian aid”.
She remarked that the ongoing war in Ukraine is an “illegal attack on a sovereign nation, an assault on international law, a violation of human dignity”.
“We watch in horror as drone attacks escalate, as your countries infrastructure is ravaged and at acts that defy all principles of humanity.”
She called on the global community to “stand united in condemning this war” and added that “we must demand accountability for war crimes”.
Murphy now remarks that while Ireland is “militarily neutral”, it is “not – and will never be – morally neutral in the face of atrocity”.
“Our neutrality is a commitment to peace, not indifference,” said Murphy.
“Together with our EU partners, Ireland will stand firm behind Ukraine to ensure Russia ends its aggression.”
Meanwhile, Murphy says the “Irish, who themselves have lived the trauma of immigration and war, have opened their hearts and homes to thousands of Ukrainians who now live and work among us”.
“Your people enrich our communities and share their culture, even though their hearts remain with Ukraine.”
Murphy ends by quoting JKF and tells Zelenskyy that we “hope for – and look forward to – the day when Ukraine can celebrate peace”.
“We stand with the Ukrainian people – in solidarity, in friendship, and in hope. May your courage and the strength of your people lead to a just and lasting peace.”
And with that, she welcomes Zelenskyy to deliver his address to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Zelenskyy thanks Ireland for its attention to Ukraine and thanks Ireland for “providing homes and protection to our people when they needed it most”.
He remarks that while there is war fatigue elsewhere, he does not feel that Ireland has lowered its voice.
Zelenskyy now thanks Ireland for its “steadfast support” and for “not losing trust in Ukraine”.
He also looks forward to a time when Ukraine can welcome back all those who have had to flee and that he is working hard to make this a reality.
Zelenskyy says the world must seize the chance for a ceasefire and that “Ukraine wants peace”.
“It is a community of nations that makes peace lasting,” he adds.
“When you have a true community of nations on your side, you cannot be crushed,” says Zelenskyy.
He adds: “No one can lie to the world forever, not even Putin.”
“We have managed to united the majority of the world, and this gives us time to resist Russia’s attempts to destroy us,” sayd Zelenskyy.
“It is a great honour for me to stand here today in a country that understands the price of freedom.”
“Ireland is doing so much to help others, thank you for that.
“We will continue to coordinate with you and everyone who can help so that one day we can achieve what many still believe not to be possible.
“Not just a pause between strikes, but lasting peace and a true justice.”
Zelenskyy says Russia is treating Ukrainians as “livestock” and treats country as though it is Russia’s “backyard”.
He says the pressure on Russia must remain in place and that it is not “rewarded with stolen Ukrainian land or kidnapped Ukrainian children”.
He says “Russian killers cannot be allowed to travel the world as if they have done nothing wrong”.
“There is no good future for Europe without unity, and Ukraine wants to stand with those whose struggle reflects out own.
“We want to stand alongside Ireland in the European Union as equals and I am confident that this will happen. Europe cannot run away from its own values, it must stand up for them, and Ukraine is doing exactly that today on Europe’s behalf.”
“Dear Ireland, please remember your voice matters. Millions of people who can influence hundreds of millions more,” says Zelenskyy.
“There should be no capital that does not know that the Irish, together with the Ukrainians, are united for a real peace.”
He says this peace cannot be based on “appeasement of killers” and that the “aggressors must be held accountable for that they have done”.
Zelenskyy calls on Ireland to ensure there is “accountability” and to back further sanctions on Russia.
Zelenskyy repeats a call for support to retrieve Ukrainian children being held in Russia.
“We need real peace, help us achieve it and never lose your faith in Ukraine. Thanks you Ireland, glory to Ukraine.”
And with that Zelenskyy has finished his remarks to applause from the chamber.
Senator Mark Daly is now delivering the concluding remarks.
“In 2022, when I had the privilege of closing your last online address to these Houses, I said that as we sit here in Dublin, bombs and missiles were descending on innocent Ukrainian men, women and children,” says Dauly.
“I could not have imagined that three years, seven months, and 26 days later, Russia’s war of aggression would continue to visit unspeakable atrocities on the people of Ukraine.”
“A month after that address I travelled to Ukraine with the Ceann Comhairle, where we met with you in your office and wondered how you remained so calm in the midst of such chaos,” says Daly.
“Here we witnessed first-hand the harrowing consequences of Russia’s war.
“In Bucha we saw the mass graves of those killed by the Russian Army and in Irpin on the outskirts of Kyiv we met with the citizens turned soldiers who stopped the Russian Army.”
Daly remarks that there are “children in Ukraine who have never known safety, have never known peace, whose parents go to sleep in often freezing temperatures without power or heat, wondering if they will awaken to air raid sirens.
“They continue to endure that terrible reality.”
He adds: “There is no explanation that you can give to a child for what is happening in Ukraine, and that is not because they are too young to understand; it is because, what is happening is wrong, and cannot be justified.
“In the 21st century, we cannot accept the devastation on innocent children and their families, some of whom are here today; forced to flee their homes and their livelihoods and journey thousands of kilometres into the unknown.”
Daly calls for a “lasting peace” and adds: “We on this island have known violence and struggle, a violence that devastated our communities, but we now know peace.
“This cuts to the core of our Irish and European values, values that emphasise human decency and integrity. Values that prioritise freedom, equality, and the right to self-determination.”
Daly ends by remarking that “Ireland and Europe have stood with, and will continue to stand with Ukraine, and we hope Ukraine will find a just peace in the very near future.”
And on behalf of the members of Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann, he thanks Zelenskyy for his attendance and his joint address to the Oireachtas.
Zelenskyy is now receiving a standing ovation as he leaves the chamber.
And with the joint address to the Oireachtas over, Zelenskyy is leaving Leinster House in a large motorcade.
And as Zelenskyy makes his way from Leinster House People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett has said he “rejects the idea there is a military solution to this conflict” and “opposes calls for military escalation”.
“As we had feared and warned, Ukraine has become a bloody battlefield in an inter-imperial conflict between Russia, the US, EU and NATO powers, all of whom are trying to consolidate or expand spheres of influence,” said Boud Barrett.
He added: “We strongly reject the systematic efforts by our government and the EU to use this conflict to promote the project of EU militarisation or draw us closer to the NATO military alliance.”
He said that as a neutral country, Ireland “should be using our unique heritage and position to argue for non-military solutions to this terrible war and to militarisation more generally”.
Party college Paul Murphy meanwhile remarked that “this and the previous Government have been cynical in using the war in Ukraine to further undermine Irish neutrality and back EU militarisation”.
“We have no doubt the Government is using President Zelensky’s visit to these same ends,” he added.
“Only today we learned that the Government is to give a further €100m in military supplies to continue the war. This is yet another flagrant breach of our neutrality.”
Murphy said this “ramping up of military supplies” comes as the Government “is cutting state-provided accommodation to newly arriving Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war from 90 to just 30 days”.
“It appears the Government and many in the EU are prepared to back war to the last Ukrainian, but will force Ukrainians into abject poverty if they flee the war.
“The rank hypocrisy of the war mongering, the attacks on Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, and the refusal to take any meaningful action against Israel has become evident to everyone.
“We stand with the people of Ukraine against Putin’s invasion, but we will not applaud the agenda of militarisation which is being pushed across Europe”.
And here’s some more images from inside Leinster House during Zelenskyy’s address.
It’s a busy day for Zelenskyy, who is now due to take part in an Ireland and Ukraine Economic Forum discussion.
You can follow along live here:
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the entire Irish government is committed to developing business and investment to Ukraine.
Today marks the inaugural Ireland and Ukraine Economic Forum and Martin says Zelenskyy is among “steadfast friends in Dublin”.
Martin says Ukraine’s fight against Russia is “deeply inspiring” and that Ukraine’s struggle is one for European values and that Ukraine has Ireland’s support for European Union membership.
Martin says Ukraine is “ready and willing to engage” to bring the war to an end, something which is not forthcoming from Russia.
“I am determined that Ireland will play a role in the recovery and reconstruction which Ukraine will require and that is what we are here to talk about.”
Martin says he and Zelenskyy see “real potential for trade and investment in both directions”.
“Recovery and reconstruction will be an enormous task and Ireland is fully committed to playing it’s part.”
“Ireland has been transformed by our membership in the European Union,” says Martin.
“We want the same thing for Ukraine, we want to see a prosperous and peaceful Ukraine take its rightful place in the European Union family of nations.”
Martin now paying tribute to the contribution Ukrainians have made to Ireland and says that those who have made their home in Ireland “will create bridges between our two countries”.
He also recognises the benefits Ukrainians have made to the Irish economy and reveals that the Ireland and Ukraine Economic Forum will become an annual event.
Martin says Zelenskyy has been “inspiring” in his leadership and will ensure that Ukraine “never bows down to the aggressor”.
“Because of you and the people of Ukraine, the cry of all who believe in freedom and democracy will remain.”
Zelenskyy is now speaking to the Ireland and Ukraine Economic Forum and has remarked that he is thankful to Ireland, which is one of Ukraine’s best friends.
After his fireside chat with the Ireland and Ukraine Economic Forum, he will head for Dublin Airport.
His focus will soon turn to discussions between a Ukrainian delegation and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which will possibly come as soon as tomorrow and potentially in Brussels.
Here are some more photos of the day that have come from the Houses of the Oireachtas:
While Zelenskyy has been in Dublin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia was “ready” for war if Europe seeks one, accusing the continent’s leaders of trying to sabotage a deal on the Ukraine conflict before he met with US envoys.
The comments came as US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were in Moscow for high-stakes talks on ending the nearly four-year war, which were preceded by days of intense diplomacy.
“We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin told reporters in Moscow.
“They have no peaceful agenda, they are on the side of war,” he added, repeating his claim that European leaders were hindering US attempts to broker peace in Ukraine.
He added that European changes to Trump’s latest plan to end the war “aimed solely at one thing — to completely block the entire peace process and put forward demands that are absolutely unacceptable for Russia”.
Asked to react those comments by Putin, Zelenskyy said:
“It is very difficult to comment because he really doesn’t want to finish this war because he didn’t get all his goals… he wanted to destroy us… he has really been very surprised. He didn’t get any real goal to destroy and break Ukraine and Europe.”
“He is now thinking of new reasons not to end this war,” he added.
“For me it is nothing new, the words of Putin, it’s nothing new,” said Zelenskyy.
“We want peace… we need to bring peace closer,” said the Ukrainian president.
There should be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) December 2, 2025
Ireland stands with Ukraine and its people as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing illegal and brutal aggression.
Ireland will continue to support Ukraine and its path to EU membership.
🇮🇪🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/cKlIzhKdFn
I addressed the Irish Oireachtas. It is a great honor for me to stand here today – in a country that understands the price of freedom better than many in Europe, better than many in the world, and that shares our belief that every voice counts, every nation matters. Please… pic.twitter.com/ubaHXBY4Ob
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 2, 2025
While Zelenskyy was busy in Government Buildings today, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless was entertaining the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.
The meeting was held to mark the occasion of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between University College Cork, University of Galway and the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies. University College Dublin also marked the occasion by signing a Letter of Intent.
The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, said: “Such support for Ukrainian students and scholars has naturally laid the groundwork for another important step – the inclusion of Irish universities in the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies. The coalition works to ensure that the study and understanding of Ukraine and its culture, through the development of Ukrainian Studies, become a full-fledged part of university curricula around the world.”
Political Editor Christina Finn here. Thanks for following our live-blog throughout today. We’re going to wrap it up for the evening.
Zelenskyy is meeting with members of the Ukrainian community this evening before flying out of Dublin Airport later on tonight.
You can catch up with our breakout pieces here:
Want to know more about what’s happening in Ukraine and why? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to finding good information online.
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