Taoiseach dismisses Russian embassy drone statement

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has dismissed reports that the Russian embassy has denied responsibility for drones which were spotted in the vicinity of Dublin Airport during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.

In a statement to the TG4 television station on Tuesday morning, the Russian embassy said the media speculation around the incident was “rumours and innuendo”.

It went on: “We categorically reject any attempt to portray this incident in the terms of a so-called possible Russian involvement – there is absolutely no basis to that.”

Speaking during a press conference with President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Martin said: “It is a matter for the Russian ambassador to express views and behalf of his own government.

“I simply don’t share his views.

“This is the same ambassador who assured us in 2022 that Russia had no plans to invade Ukraine and we saw how that worked out.”

He described the incident as part of an “established pattern” of similar events.

Mr Martin said: “Accidents happen on an individual basis, patterns can be discerned over a period of time and that is what we’re witnessing here, and indeed witnessing across other EU member states in different forms.”

Police are investigating the presence of drones over Ireland during Mr Zelensky’s brief visit to Dublin last week.

The National Security Council is to provide the Taoiseach with a “comprehensive report” on the matter within the next week.

Asked if he had concerns about security in Ireland ahead of a European Council meeting in Dublin next year, when Ireland holds the council’s presidency, Mr Costa said: “We have full confidence in Ireland to ensure the security of the country and the security of the European Council meeting.

“What happened last week here in Dublin is another example of the hybrid attacks from Russia and the hybrid threats from Russia in European territory. ”

Mr Zelensky and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Dublin late on Monday.

On Tuesday, he met Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Mr Martin before an address to the Irish Parliament where he said Ireland “understands the price of freedom”.

The Journal first reported that unidentified drones were spotted flying in the north-east of Dublin around the time Mr Zelensky’s plane landed at Dublin Airport, shortly before 11pm last Monday.

Gardai said the special detective unit will be liaising with the Defence Forces and international partners to investigate the incident.