As it happened: 'Thank you Ireland, Glory to Ukraine,' Zelenskiy addresses Oireachtas
James Cox
On the first day of his State visit to Ireland, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly before making an historic address to the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Mr Zelenskiy thanked Ireland for its support of Ukraine, and urged the country to play a role in holding Russia to account for its aggression.
Here is how the day played out:
Mr Zelenskiy warned that “hatred will not fade and it will continue to smoulder and provoke new violence”.
“History has seen this before. This time must be different. We need real peace."
He asked Ireland to “never lose your faith in Ukraine”.
“Thank you Ireland. Glory to Ukraine,” he said.
Mr Zelenskiy appealed to Ireland to “please take an active role in making the tribunal for this aggression a reality”, as he received a standing ovation at the end of his speech.
Watch Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy's address to the Oireachtas live here:
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged Ireland to “take an active role” in calling for a tribunal for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
In a historic address to a joint sitting of the Oireachtas, he urged Ireland to also call for the children who have been abducted by Russia to be returned.
“Dear Ireland, please remember your voice matters,” he said.
He said that Ukraine wants to stand together with those whose history and struggle “reflect our own” and wanted to stand alongside Ireland in the EU “as equals”.
“There should be no capital that does not know that the Irish, together with the Ukrainians and many other nations, are united for a real peace. A peace without humiliation and based on something truly real.”
Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelenskiy has said that both the Irish and Ukrainians are “among the few in Europe who spent centuries fighting for the right to remain themselves”.
He made the comments at a joint sitting of the Oireachtas.
He said that while fatigue from the war is growing in some societies, “we do not feel that your voice, the voice of Ireland, is (turning) quieter”.
“Thank you for your steadfast support, for these years of standing with us, and thank you for not losing faith in us, just as we do not lose faith in the day that will come when we will welcome all our friends to Ukraine in peace and when we will welcome home all our people who were forced to flee back to a peaceful Ukraine.”
He said it was a “great honour for me to stand here today in a country that understands the price of freedom”.
He said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was “a criminal and unprovoked act of aggression which cries for justice”, and said Russia wanted to treat Ukraine as its property and Ukraine “as if they belong in its backyard like livestock”.
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy paid tribute to Mr Zelenskiy and first lady Olena Zelenska, who she said was “a model for women worldwide”.
She said that war was “a human tragedy and was “never a solution”.
“Ireland knows this truth. Our own history teaches us that dialogue, however difficult, can bring peace,” she said.
“Together with our EU partners, Ireland will stand firm behind Ukraine to ensure Russia ends its aggression.
“Ireland’s journey to peace was long and arduous, but it succeeded because people persevered in the belief that peace is the only solution, the same possibility exists for Ukraine.”
3.05pm
Speaking alongside the Ukrainian president, Taoiseach Micheál Martin repeated a government pledge to support peacekeeping efforts should there be an end to the conflict.
"In the event of a ceasefire, or a peace settlement, yes Ireland will be open to monitoring any ceasefire or indeed aspects of a peace settlement."
3pm
The Ukrainian president expects he will be updated on the discussions between a US delegation which is meeting president Vladimir Putin in Mosow immediately after talks end today.
He made the comments on the steps of Government Buildings after meeting the Taoiseach.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address a joint sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas in the next hour.
He says territory, seized Russian assets and security guarantees are the most important issues to be addressed in talks to end the war.
"We count on strong security guarantees from both the United States and Europe, and some leaders. You know that the topic of the Coalition of the Willing.
"I think these three topics, [are] the most sensitive and the most important."
2.15pm
Watch: Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaking live at a press conference at Government Buildings with Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Live Press Conference | Visit of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to Ireland https://t.co/HVY7xIFlHR
— Government of Ireland (@GovIE) December 2, 2025
2pm
Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address a Joint Sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas at 3.45pm.
The sitting will commence with opening remarks by the Ceann Comhairle, followed by the address by president Zelenskiy.
Following concluding remarks by the Cathaoirleach, the sitting will adjourn at 4.10pm.
The Joint Address follows president Zelenskiy's previous address which was by video link in 2022.
President Zelenskiy is the first President of Ukraine to address the Oireachtas.
1.30pm
Olena Zelenska met Higher Education Minister James Lawless to discuss the 2,000 Ukrainian students in Irish third level institutions.
1pm
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said president Zelenskiy's visit comes at a "crucial moment in this terrible war".
“President Zelenskiy’s visit comes at a critical moment in this terrible war. Almost four years on from Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian people continue to endure devastating loss, displacement and suffering.
“Sinn Féin stands firmly with the people of Ukraine and supports their right to sovereignty, freedom and self-determination.
“This conflict has exacted a shocking human toll. Millions have been forced from their homes, entire communities devastated and far too many lives lost.”
12.31pm
Volodymyr Zelenskiy has arrived at Government Buildings in Dublin as part of his state visit to Ireland.
The Ukrainian president is due to inspect a guard of honour and, along with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, sign the 2030 roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland partnership.
The Government has described it as a “series of commitments” to “strengthen bilateral relations”. - Press Association
12.16pm
Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Ukraine is grateful for Ireland’s “generosity” to its people amid Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian leader made the comments in a visitors’ book at Áras an Uachtaráin as he met President Catherine Connolly as part of an official visit to Dublin.
“It is a great honour to visit Ireland together with my wife Olena and be received by the President of Ireland,” he wrote.
“On behalf of the people of Ukraine, I express my sincere gratitude for Ireland’s steadfast support during our fight against Russian aggression.
“We greatly appreciate Ireland’s generosity in providing temporary shelter to displaced Ukrainians.
“Ukraine values its friendship with Ireland and is committed to deepening our co-operation in pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”
11.40pm
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy and first lady Olena Zelenska have arrived at Áras An Uachtaráin, the official residence of President Catherine Connolly, in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.
Ms Connolly greeted the couple as they arrived at a red carpet laid at the front door, warmly welcoming them on the first day of their visit to Ireland.
11.30am
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced an additional €125 million in financial support for Ukraine as part of a new roadmap for partnership with Ireland to cover the next five years.
At Government Buildings, the Taoiseach and president Zelenskiy will this afternoon sign the '2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership'.
This builds on the Agreement on Support for Ukraine and Cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland which was signed in Kyiv on September 4, 2024.
A series of commitments in the roadmap will strengthen bilateral relations across a range of areas, including political and security cooperation; support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction; cooperation in innovation and education; economic cooperation and the establishment of the Ireland Ukraine Economic Forum; and cultural cooperation.
The Roadmap sets out Ireland’s immediate commitments to Ukraine, including:
- The allocation of an additional €100 million in non-lethal military support, bringing to €200 million the non-lethal military support provided in 2025.
- The allocation of €25 million to support the restoration and protection of Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the provision of essential energy supplies.
- The previously announced allocation of €35.4 million in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports in 2025 in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
- A scheme to support training and related measures to assist in Ukraine’s path to EU accession.
The Roadmap also establishes the Ukraine - Ireland Strategic Dialogue, which holds its first meeting today between Minister Helen McEntee and foreign minister Sybiha of Ukraine.
Speaking on the signing of the Roadmap, the Taoiseach said: “It was an honour to welcome the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to Ireland at this time of great challenge for his country. His immense bravery, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people, are examples to us all.
“I am pleased that, in our meeting today, I was able to offer the president not only words of assurance of Ireland’s support, but also firm and concrete commitments of assistance to Ukraine. An additional €100 million in non-lethal military support will be made available, to help Ukraine withstand the indiscriminate nightly onslaught of Russian missiles and drones.
“Ireland will also provide €25 million for Ukraine’s energy supplies to help to counter Russia’s cynical and callous attacks on the vital infrastructure that keeps Ukrainians warm during the unforgiving winter.
“This is in addition to €35.4 million in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports announced earlier this year and will support projects such as the provision of meals in schools close to frontline, the reconstruction of hospital facilities and the construction of protective shelters at schools.
“I have been consistent and strong in my view that EU membership is essential for Ukraine’s future security, and today’s agreement also includes a scheme to support training and related measures to assist in Ukraine’s path to EU accession.
“Since 2022, Ireland has welcomed thousands of Ukrainians to Ireland. As I welcome their president here today, I reiterate the steadfast support of the Irish people for the people of Ukraine.”
Speaking today, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee said: “Today’s visit is an opportunity to reaffirm Ireland’s steadfast support and solidarity for Ukraine at a critical moment, when peace efforts are underway while Russia continues its aggression.
“In the Roadmap agreed today, the Government has committed new measures to support Ukraine. We have also agreed a framework for Ireland and Ukraine to strengthen connections in a comprehensive, innovative and forward-looking way.
“This Roadmap is being agreed in a time of war but it looks forward to a time of peace, and a time when Ukraine and Ireland live together in a common European home.”
11.10am
The former chief of staff of the Irish Defence Forces, General Sean Clancy, who is chair of the EU Military Committee has said that Europe will have a very positive role to play in the future of Ukraine.
“It's not a Nato problem. I think it's a whole of Europe problem. And it's not a problem. But if we get to that point of a peace plan and providing the security guarantees, then Europe will have a very positive role to play, as it has done so over the last nearly four years now," he told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland.
"And primarily that will come in the form of an EU training mission in the first instance. And of course many member States have been participating in that to date. And after hopefully in a ceasefire situation, we get to a point where member states can decide at what level they want to contribute."
10.30am
In general, traffic restrictions for the visit will be kept to the minimum required and it is "intended that any impact on the public will be localised and minimal," gardaí said.
The following Traffic Management measures, for security reasons, will be put in place on Tuesday, December 2nd:
• Traffic restrictions will be in place on Chesterfield Avenue, Phoenix Park from approximately 10am until approximately 1pm.
• Traffic restrictions will be in place on Kildare Street, Merrion Street, Merrion Square and the vicinity of Government Buildings and Leinster House from 11m.
• Traffic restrictions will be in place on Stephens Green South, Stephens Green East and Leeson Street from 3.30pm.
However, the public can also expect localised road closures to facilitate events and temporary rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts over the course of Tuesday, December 2nd, in the Dublin Region, particularly in the city centre.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy is to be greeted by President Catherine Connolly in Dublin on Tuesday as US efforts continue to broker a ceasefire in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The visit comes a day after he met French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris as part of discussions on ending the largest armed conflict in Europe since the Second World War.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he looked forward to “reiterating Ireland’s unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes” as part of the visit on Tuesday.
Mr Martin greeted Mr Zelenskiy on the tarmac after his plane landed in Dublin late on Monday night.
The two leaders are to hold a bilateral meeting as part of events on Tuesday, which will mark the first official visit by a Ukrainian president to Ireland.
Mr Zelenskiy and Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, are due to first make a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park on Tuesday morning.
Mr Zelenskiy is also due to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum with Tánaiste Simon Harris.
The Ukrainian leader will also give an address to the Dáil at Leinster House on Tuesday afternoon after being introduced by the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.
In April 2022, Mr Zelenskiy made a historic address to the Dáil via videolink, in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the “disaster” Russia had brought to Ukraine.
Welcoming the visit, Mr Martin said Zelenskiy’s arrival in Dublin comes at a “critical time” for Ukraine.
Ukrainian and US officials have worked to revise the proposed US-authored plan, developed in negotiations between Washington and Moscow, but criticised as being too weighted towards Russian demands.
Mr Zelenskiy said in Paris on Monday that the peace plan “looks better” but that the topic of Ukraine’s control over its territories was “the most complicated” topic being discussed. - Press Association
