Drones did not threaten Zelensky aircraft, but incident is concerning: Ireland’s PM
· The Straits TimesSummary
- Unidentified drones appeared near Dublin after Zelensky's arrival, but were not a threat to his aircraft, according to Prime Minister Martin.
- Martin suggests the drones are part of a "Russian-inspired hybrid campaign," a claim Russia denies as a baseless "myth."
- Ireland plans to increase defence spending and invest in anti-drone technology due to security threats, ensuring EU summit protection.
DUBLIN - Drones that appeared near Dublin shortly after the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week were not a threat to his aircraft but the incident is very concerning, Ireland’s prime minister said on Dec 10.
A small number of unidentified drones were observed
in the vicinity of a naval service vessel patrolling off the coast of Dublin on the evening of Mr Zelensky’s arrival for a state visit, prime minister Micheal Martin told Parliament.
“The drones were not a threat to President Zelenskiy’s aircraft - that needs to be clear - because it had safely landed quite some time prior to this incident,” said Mr Martin.
He did not directly address Irish media reports that the drones were flying close to Mr Zelensky’s flight path.
‘Russian-inspired hybrid campaign’
“Circumstances are suggestive of this being part of a Russian-inspired hybrid campaign against European Union and Ukrainian interests,” Mr Martin added.
A spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Dublin said suggestions Russia was involved were baseless and that European politicians were promoting a “myth” about the threat Russia posed to Europe.
Drone flights, the origin of which are mostly unknown, have disrupted airspace operations in several European countries in recent months.
European Council president Antonio Costa on a visit to Dublin on Dec 9 described last week’s incident as “another example of the hybrid attacks from Russia.”
Ireland, which is militarily neutral, has one of the lowest levels of defence spending in Europe, but has vowed to increase that and Mr Martin has outlined plans to invest in anti-drone technology.
“It is very clear there is a security threat to Ireland,” he said.
The government is “fully confident” it can protect European leaders due to attend a summit during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of next year, Mr Martin said on Dec 9. REUTERS