Ireland and Ukraine are considering jointly producing unmanned drones, after Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Dublin on Wednesday, the BBC reported. The meeting came ahead of a gathering of European leaders in the Irish capital on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference, Zelenskyy indicated a willingness to work with the Irish government on co-production. Martin said work is already ongoing between the two sides, citing Ukraine's expertise in drone technology, and that Ireland is considering agreeing a memorandum with Ukraine on the issue. He said unmanned drones could benefit the Republic in terms of maritime security.
The announcement is not a signed contract. It is a public signal that both governments are looking at a memorandum and at production, after years in which Ukraine has built and used drones at a scale few European states have matched. Martin framed the Irish interest around coastal and maritime surveillance, not around a change in Ireland's military posture beyond what he stated. The BBC report did not give a cost, a factory site, or a timetable. Zelenskyy's comments came at the same press conference in which he thanked Ireland for its support packages and said Europe had to be part of any end to the war.
Zelenskyy also thanked Ireland for its "unwavering support." "Ireland has always shown a full understanding of what's happening in Ukraine, and most importantly, of just how unjust Russia's aggression is against all of us, against Ukraine, and against normal, peaceful life, peaceful life in Europe," he said. He said he had briefed Martin on the war and that ending the conflict without Europe's participation would be "unjust" and "impossible." "I'm grateful for the willingness to help Ukraine and for the support packages. All of these packages are extremely important," he said.
Martin said Zelenskyy's visit, his third in a year, "showed the enduring strength of the partnership between our two countries." He added that "the friendship" between the Irish and Ukrainians has been "solidified" by Ukrainians who have made Ireland their home. He described Russia's actions as "barbarous" and "vile," and offered "heartfelt solidarity to the people of Ukraine and my undying admiration for your unwavering resolve, resilience, and bravery." A major security operation was in place in Dublin for the European leaders' meeting, with extensive traffic disruption expected from the airport to the city center and public access restricted in some areas. The verified record is a possible memorandum and a stated interest in maritime drones, not a finished industrial deal.