Unknown drones flew along the route of Zelensky's plane to Ireland

Boris Bodnar
Boris Bodnar Journalist
Unknown drones flew along the route of Zelensky's plane to Ireland
Photo: Getty images
Four military drones violated the restricted zone over Dublin and approached the plane of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit. The incident is classified as a potential hybrid attack.

After the devices did not hit the plane, they changed course and hovered over the Irish naval ship LÉ William Butler Yeats, which was secretly patrolling the Irish Sea during the visit. Preliminary data suggests that the drones may have taken off from northeast Dublin or from an undisclosed vessel. Operators and the location of the drones are currently unknown.

Security forces estimate that the drones were large, high-tech, and military-grade. The illuminated devices indicate a deliberate attempt to destabilize or intimidate. Irish law enforcement did not open fire, and there were no means on the ship to neutralize them. The drones operated for about two hours within 12 nautical miles of Irish territorial waters.

The incident resembles a series of drone attacks in Europe, which led to the closure of airports in Brussels and Denmark. The Irish government held an emergency meeting with law enforcement and civilian officials, but Zelensky's visit proceeded without serious disruptions.

Experts classify the event as a hybrid attack — a combination of military and non-military tactics to pressure the state without declaring war. Ireland is strengthening airspace control amid preparations for the country's presidency of the EU next year.

Share tittle
Politics
Production of British L119 howitzers is set to begin in Ukraine
Politics

Production of British L119 howitzers is set to begin in Ukraine

The British company BAE Systems is to begin licensed production of L119 105-mm howitzers directly in Ukraine. The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow.

22.07.2026
Moldova has approved Tofan’s government, which is committed to EU accession
Politics

Moldova has approved Tofan’s government, which is committed to EU accession

The Moldovan Parliament has expressed its confidence in the new government led by the financier Vasile Tofan. The Cabinet of Ministers has pledged to revitalise the economy, reduce the budget deficit and prepare the country for accession to the European Union.

22.07.2026
Mykhailo Drapatiy is wanted by the Russian Federation: what is he accused of?
Politics

Mykhailo Drapatiy is wanted by the Russian Federation: what is he accused of?

Mykhailo Drapatiy, whom President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is on the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ wanted list. However, Russia added the Ukrainian general to the list back in September 2023, rather than following the announcement of personnel changes within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

22.07.2026
Volodymyr Horbatyuk may be appointed head of the General Staff: no official decision has yet been made
Politics

Volodymyr Horbatyuk may be appointed head of the General Staff: no official decision has yet been made

Volodymyr Horbatyuk, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is being touted as a possible successor to Andriy Gnativ. However, as of the time of publication, no official appointment has been made.

22.07.2026
Dan Kane: A Ukrainian F-16 has shot down a Russian fighter jet for the first time
Politics

Dan Kane: A Ukrainian F-16 has shot down a Russian fighter jet for the first time

A Ukrainian F-16 has shot down a Russian fighter jet in an air-to-air engagement for the first time. General Dan Kane, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced this aerial victory for Ukraine.

22.07.2026