Zelenskyy Receives Warm Welcome in Ireland’s Parliament

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a joint session of the Oireachtas in Dublin on April 17, 2024, where he received an enthusiastic reception from lawmakers. Zelenskyy conveyed a heartfelt message, stating that Ukraine is “trying to reach every heart” in its ongoing struggle for independence and support against Russian aggression.

During his address, the Ukrainian president was notably welcomed by Ivana Bacik, the leader of the Labour Party, who wore two large glittering hearts on her lapel—one representing the Irish flag and the other the Ukrainian flag. Many members of the Government benches displayed similar pins, along with sunflowers, yellow ribbons, and scarves in the Ukrainian colors, showcasing a collective spirit of solidarity.

As Zelenskyy entered the session, he was greeted with outstretched hands from eager politicians, all vying for a handshake. He took his place beside the Ceann Comhairle, the presiding officer, while his wife, Olena Zelenska, sat nearby with Mary Martin, the Taoiseach’s wife, and other distinguished Ukrainian guests. In her opening remarks, Verona Murphy praised Olena Zelenska as “a model for women worldwide,” highlighting the significance of the occasion.

While the reception was largely positive, not all members shared the same enthusiasm. Richard Boyd Barrett and Paul Murphy from the People Before Profit party stood in protest, refraining from joining the applause during Zelenskyy’s address. They had previously faced criticism for similar actions during his virtual speech to the Dáil in 2022. Their dissent stemmed from disagreements with Zelenskyy’s calls for NATO involvement and concerns over political repression in Ukraine.

In a statement following his speech, Barrett and Murphy expressed gratitude towards Ireland’s support but voiced criticism regarding increased militarization amidst the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy, while thanking Ireland for its solidarity, drew parallels between the histories of Ireland and Ukraine. He remarked, “Our peoples, Ukrainian and Irish, are among the few in Europe who spent centuries fighting for the right to remain themselves. Ireland has stood firmly and clearly for our independence and for a just end to this war.”

Throughout the day, speakers referenced significant historical events, including the Good Friday Agreement and the Second World War, underscoring the deep-rooted connections between the two nations. The atmosphere within the Oireachtas was charged as several TDs captured photographs and videos, marking the historic significance of Zelenskyy’s visit.

Outside, security was heightened with the presence of Ukrainian security personnel and the Garda’s armored tactical vehicles, often referred to as “battle wagons.” As Zelenskyy traveled to meet his counterpart, Catherine Connolly, at Áras an Uachtaráin, he signed the visitors’ book and expressed gratitude to the Irish people for their hospitality towards displaced Ukrainians.

This visit not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also reinforces the shared values and historical struggles between Ireland and Ukraine, as both nations continue to advocate for their sovereignty and the rights of their people.