During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s official visit to Ireland, several unidentified drones were spotted near Dublin Airport and the Irish Sea, prompting concerns about potential security threats. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that the drones posed no danger to the president’s aircraft, which had landed prior to the sightings, but emphasized the incident was “very concerning.”

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Drone Sighting During Zelensky’s Dublin Visit

The incident occurred during Zelensky’s one-day visit with his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenska.

• Location: Dublin Bay, near Howth over the Irish Sea
• Observation: Crew aboard the Irish naval vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats spotted a small number of drones flying near the patrol ship.
• Timing: President Zelensky’s plane had already landed, and his departure was unaffected.

Taoiseach Martin addressed the Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament), reassuring lawmakers and the public that security measures were effective and that there was no immediate risk to the Ukrainian president.

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Possible Russian-Inspired Hybrid Campaign

Martin suggested that the drones could be part of a broader Russian-inspired hybrid campaign targeting European and Ukrainian interests. He noted:

“The drones were not a threat to President Zelensky’s aircraft because it had landed quite some time prior to this incident. They were not a threat either to his departure.”

The drones’ proximity to a naval service vessel highlights growing concerns over hybrid warfare in Europe, particularly involving surveillance or intimidation tactics using unmanned aerial vehicles.

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Operational Response and Security Measures

Following the drone sightings:

• Naval response: The commander of the LÉ William Butler Yeats initiated an immediate operational response.
• Police and military coordination: Irish authorities worked closely to monitor the situation and ensure no threat to the visiting dignitary.
• Outcome: No harm occurred, and the security operation was deemed effective by the Taoiseach.

Martin stressed that while the drones did not pose an actual threat, incidents of this nature are “very concerning” and mirror similar drone sightings reported in other European countries, which have raised alarms about potential interference or surveillance by foreign actors.

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Implications for European Security

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Europe, with Russia increasingly using hybrid tactics including drones, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks to influence security dynamics. Experts suggest that such drone activity near airports and naval vessels could be intended to gather intelligence or send political signals, particularly during high-profile visits by leaders like President Zelensky.

Irish authorities continue to investigate the origin and intent of the drones and coordinate with European partners to strengthen airspace and maritime security measures.