Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits Dublin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena Zelenska, have arrived in Dublin, Ireland, for a formal one-day visit. Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, they were welcomed on the runway by Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne.

During his visit, President Zelensky will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and pay a formal visit to the newly inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly at ras an Uachtarin. He is also set to deliver a speech to both houses of the Irish parliament, the Dil and the Seanad.

This marks the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady. The schedule also includes the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee. The Irish government described the visit as an opportunity to reinforce the "very close and warm relations" between Ireland and Ukraine.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, over 120,000 Ukrainians have applied for refugee status in Ireland, with around 80,000 remaining in the country. Ukrainian refugees in Ireland are maintaining their cultural and religious practices, including attending Ukrainian Mass every Sunday. Participants, such as Olena Uriivna, pray for peace and an end to the conflict.

Ukrainian refugee Tetiana Bilous expressed gratitude for Irelands support and described the wars impact on everyday life: "We were living a normal life and suddenly everything was interrupted, everything was ended." She, along with others, hopes the ongoing peace talks will lead to the war's conclusion.

Mykhaylo Fedynyshyn, who has resided in Ireland for over 20 years, also attended Mass and voiced optimism for the success of peace negotiations, expressing faith in Ukraine's eventual victory and return to normalcy.

Irish police, An Garda Sochna, advised travelers to Dublin Airport to allow extra time due to anticipated rolling road closures on Tuesday. Traffic restrictions will affect several areas, including Chesterfield Avenue, Phoenix Park, Kildare Street, Merrion Street, Merrion Square, Stephens Green, and the vicinity of Government Buildings and Leinster House. Localized closures and temporary road restrictions will also support security measures during the visit.

Author: Sophia Brooks