New Details: How Zelenskyy’s Ireland Visit Strengthened Medical, Military, Business Ties
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first official visit to Ireland has highlighted deepening bilateral cooperation in medical support for Ukraine’s frontline, recognition of Irish soldiers killed while defending Ukraine, and growing business interest.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Zelenskyy's statements on social media.
The Ukrainian President met with experts from University College Dublin who have been working alongside Ukrainian specialists to introduce advanced emergency care methods for combat environments. Together they launched the UCD Ukraine Trauma Project, an initiative aimed at cutting fatalities from massive battlefield bleeding.
The project has already conducted eight training missions in Ukraine, preparing over 600 medical professionals and forming a joint Irish-Ukrainian instructor team. Zelenskyy noted that the partnership has “saved more lives and strengthened ties between our countries.”
During the visit, Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska also met with the families of Irish servicemen who were killed fighting for Ukraine. Three soldiers – Graeme Dale, Robert Deegan, and Oleksandr Ryzhuk – were posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” III class.
The Ukrainian president also held talks with representatives of Irish companies, emphasizing the growing interest of Ireland’s private sector in Ukraine despite wartime risks.
He expressed confidence that Irish investment would “reinforce Ukraine’s resilience now and become part of the country’s long-term recovery.”
Zelenskyy later met with members of the Ukrainian community in Ireland, calling the encounter warm and sincere. He underscored the historical significance of the visit, noting that it is the first trip by a Ukrainian president to Ireland since the establishment of diplomatic relations following Ukraine’s restoration of independence.
The visit began overnight on 2 December, when Zelenskyy and the First Lady arrived in Dublin. At a joint press conference, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s readiness to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution, including participation in ceasefire monitoring or EU-led peacekeeping mechanisms if required.
Martin stated that Ireland remains committed to assisting Ukraine and is prepared to take part in oversight of any future ceasefire arrangements or peace processes.
As The Gaze previously reported, Ireland has pledged additional assistance of €125 million, of which €100 million is allocated for non-lethal military support and €25 million for the restoration and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Earlier, on 4 September, Ireland also became the 26th country that signed a Security Agreement on support and cooperation with Ukraine.