Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin in Dublin on Tuesday. It will be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady.
President Zelensky will also meet newly-inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly on a 'courtesy call', the Irish government has said.
He is also scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, alongside the Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.
'Visit at a critical time'
More than 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought refugee status in Ireland since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022. Some have returned, and about 80,000 are estimated to be still living in Ireland.
The Irish government stated the visit is an opportunity to underscore 'the very close and warm relations' between the two countries.
Speaking on the visit, Taoiseach Martin stated that the Ukrainian people have 'inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia'.
He emphasized the importance of discussing support mechanisms during this critical time for Ukraine and Europe.
