Overview
- Several large, military-style drones violated a declared no‑drone zone and reached the point corresponding to the Ukrainian president’s scheduled approach to Dublin, with reports differing on whether four or five were involved.
- The Irish Navy’s LÉ William Butler Yeats spotted the drones and observed them circling the vessel, but it lacked the means to neutralize them and no weapons were used.
- Zelenskyy’s plane landed slightly earlier than planned, Irish authorities said the visit remained secure, and a Ukrainian presidential adviser confirmed the drones appeared but did not affect the program.
- Police have opened an investigation into where the aircraft were launched, including from the northeast coast or a concealed ship, the Air Corps did not engage, and the prime minister plans a national security meeting this month.
- Security sources describe the flights as possible hybrid interference often associated with Russia, yet officials have presented no evidence and the government has withheld attribution pending the review.