5 drones detected near Zelenskyy's flight path during his arrival in Dublin

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Irish authorities launched a significant security response after an Irish navy vessel detected up to five drones flying close to the expected route of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s aircraft during his arrival in Dublin on Monday, according to multiple local media reports.

The drones were first observed northeast of the capital, roughly 20 km from Dublin Airport, The Journal reported.

The outlet said the devices appeared at the precise point where Zelenskyy’s plane had been scheduled to pass, though the aircraft landed slightly ahead of time and was never in danger, the Irish Times reported, while quoting anonymous sources.

The incident has prompted enquiries into whether the drones were launched from land or a ship that avoided detection.

Their origin of the drones remains unknown, adding to a series of recent drone-related disruptions across Europe that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described as “hybrid warfare”.

Zelenskiy and his delegation arrived late Monday and left the following evening as part of a tour aimed at bolstering European support for Kyiv amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ireland’s Defence Forces declined to discuss operational details. “However, Defence Forces support to the security operation, led by An Garda Siochana, was successfully deployed in multiple means ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit,” a spokesperson said.

(With agency inputs)