Ireland Boosts Ukraine Aid as Zelensky Visits Dublin

Published: 02 December 2025 Tuesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The Irish government is set to approve an additional €125m (£110m) in support for Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Dublin for his first official visit to the Republic of Ireland. Zelensky, accompanied by Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, landed at Dublin Airport on Tuesday morning, where they were welcomed on the runway by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne. Martin said he was “honoured” to greet the Ukrainian president and his wife during what he described as a significant diplomatic moment.

At Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, ministers are expected to sign off on a new €100m (£88m) financial package dedicated to non-lethal military support for Ukraine, alongside an additional €25m (£22m) to help stabilise the country’s increasingly strained energy sector. The measures will be tabled by Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Helen McEntee, who is also expected to propose Ireland’s involvement in the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The commission will be tasked with evaluating claims relating to damage, injury, or loss caused by internationally wrongful acts attributed to the Russian Federation during its ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

Zelensky’s one-day visit marks the first time a sitting Ukrainian president and first lady have undertaken an official trip to Ireland. His schedule includes an address to both houses of the Irish parliament — the Dáil and the Seanad — where he is expected to outline Ukraine’s defence, humanitarian needs, and its long-term vision for reconstruction and resilience.

Later in the day, Zelensky will participate in the launch of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum alongside Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister McEntee. The forum aims to strengthen economic ties, enhance cooperation in technology and energy, and develop pathways for future reconstruction and trade partnerships between the two nations.

The Ukrainian president will also hold a bilateral meeting with the taoiseach to discuss Ireland’s role in humanitarian assistance, sanctions enforcement, and international advocacy for Ukraine’s sovereignty. A courtesy visit has also been arranged with Ireland’s newly inaugurated president, Catherine Connolly, at Áras an Uachtaráin.

The Irish government said the visit highlights “the very close and warm relations” between Ireland and Ukraine, reflecting years of political support, humanitarian assistance, and solidarity since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. In a message shared on social media, the taoiseach reiterated Ireland’s unwavering backing for Ukraine: “Our support for the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and democracy remains steadfast.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris echoed the sentiment, saying: “The people of Ireland stand with the people of Ukraine. We look forward to a productive visit today and our ongoing support for a lasting, enduring peace.”

The significant financial package announced today underscores Ireland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine at a critical juncture, as the country continues to face ongoing energy shortages, economic instability, and urgent reconstruction needs. The visit aims not only to reaffirm Ireland’s solidarity but also to deepen strategic cooperation as Ukraine works to secure international support for rebuilding its war-damaged infrastructure and institutions.