Volodymyr Zelensky’s aeroplane was targeted by military-style drones as it approached Dublin Airport. The incident happened on Monday night at about 11pm as the Ukrainian President arrived for a meeting with Ireland’s prime minister.
The drones breached a no-fly zone and reached the location where Zelensky’s plane was expected to be at that particular moment. However, fortunately for the Ukrainian leader, his plane arrived ahead of schedule, meaning it avoided the unidentified drones. The drones then headed to the Irish Sea and circled above a navy vessel that had been deployed there for the visit of the Ukrainian President.
Sources told The Journal that the drones took off from the north-east of Dublin, possibly near Howth, and flew for up to two hours.
The Gardaí [Irish police] are investigating whether the drones took off from land or from an undetected ship.
It is currently unknown who launched and controlled the drones or where the drones are now. Ireland’s security service said the drones were large, expensive and of military specification.
They said the incident could be classified as a hybrid attack. The drones were reportedly equipped with their lights, making them easily visible.
This has led security forces to suspect the aim was to disrupt the flight’s arrival in Dublin, rather than cause it to crash.
Zelensky was on a tour of Europe to drum up support for Ukraine following ongoing attempts by Donald Trump to force a peace deal on Kyiv.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Ireland, the Taoiseach said: “It is an honour to welcome President Zelensky and the First Lady to Ireland.
“Around the world, he 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.
“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.”