Zelensky in Dublin: Ireland and Ukraine consider a memorandum on joint drone production, with sea drones first

Joint drone production, with maritime unmanned systems for sea security as the priority, was at the centre of Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the evening of Wednesday, November 11 at Government Buildings in Dublin. The Ukrainian president is in the Irish capital for the 9th summit of the European Political Community, on his third visit to the country in twelve months.

“We discussed the details of our Drone Deal. The priority is maritime drones and sea security. We are ready to help with this. We are ready for joint production with Ireland,” Zelensky said in the Ukrainian presidency’s statement on the meeting, expecting the agreement to start soon. Martin, in joint remarks, said Ireland is considering a memorandum with Ukraine on drone manufacturing and that cooperation could run through the two countries’ defence ministries. “Given Ukraine’s experience in drone technology, we could draw on it, particularly for unmanned systems for maritime security,” he noted.

The two leaders also agreed that Ireland will take an active part in the “Coalition of Shelters” for Ukraine. Zelensky briefed Martin on the situation at the front and on the difficulty of restoring infrastructure after Russian strikes, and thanked him for the support packages Dublin provides.

Sanctions and the European path

Much of the discussion was devoted to sanctions. Zelensky asked Europeans to target both people and entities working for Putin’s system and the companies through which Russia obtains components, equipment and machine tools for ballistic missiles, attack drones and communications systems. “We must limit Russian weapons production, and this is one of the best ways to push Russia towards real steps for peace,” he said. Martin replied that Ireland is ready to do even more to keep up pressure with strict sanctions, and called Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities “barbaric and appalling”.

Ireland holds the presidency of the EU Council this half-year and has put Ukraine at the centre of its programme. “We must open all the negotiating clusters this year,” Zelensky said. Martin noted that three clusters have been opened so far and that Dublin will do what it can to open the remaining two before the end of the presidency. He repeated that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The visit follows Zelensky’s state visit to Denmark, where he met Nordic leaders. In Dublin the Ukrainian president expects, late on Thursday, envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after their meeting with Putin in Moscow. For the talks they follow, see our report on Abu Dhabi.