Ukrainian President Zelensky set for visit to Republic of Ireland

5 hours agoGabija GataveckaiteBBC News Dublin Correspondent ReutersPresident Zelensky is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic ForumUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin in Dublin on Tuesday.It will be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady.President Zelensky will also meet newly-inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly on a "courtesy call", the Irish government has said.He is also scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, alongside the Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.'Visit at a critical time'ReutersTaoiseach Micheál Martin met President Zelensky at Shannon Airport in County Clare in FebruaryMore than 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought refugee status in Ireland since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022.Some have returned and about 80,000 are estimated to be still living in Ireland.The Irish government said the visit is an opportunity to underpin "the very close and warm relations" between the two countries.It said it also indicated "Ireland's steadfast support as Ukraine defends itself against Russia's illegal war, and our recognition of the valued contribution the Ukrainian community that has sought refuge here has made to communities throughout the country".'A critical time for Ukraine and Europe'Speaking about the visit, the taoiseach said Ukrainian people have "inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia"."The people of Ukraine continue to endure the nightly onslaught of Russian missiles and drones on their cities," he added."Their defence forces continue to defend their homeland with remarkable tenacity."The president's visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing."Martin said he looked forward to discussing with President Zelensky "the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible".The Ukrainian president met the taoiseach in Ireland last February, when he was travelling to the US to meet President Donald Trump and briefly stopped at Shannon Airport in County Clare.The two men also met on a visit by the taoiseach to Ukrainian capital Kyiv in July 2022.