A joint Irish-Ukrainian memorandum on drone technology is being “explored”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the move following a bilateral meeting in Dublin on Wednesday.
Mr Zelensky is among a host of world leaders gathering in the Irish capital this week for two major EU presidency events amid the biggest security operation in the history of the state.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking to members of the media during a press conference in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)
On Thursday Mr Zelensky indicated he expects to be updated by US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, following talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi.
This is expected to include a proposed prisoner exchange as well as security guarantees which Ukraine has asked of Russia.
Speaking during a joint press conference, Mr Martin said they are looking at drawing up a joint memorandum in terms of the two countries having a relationship with regard to drone technology and manufacture.
“Given Ukrainian expertise in drone technology, we could avail of that technology, particularly unmanned drones in terms of maritime security, but that work is still ongoing,” he said.
He also welcomed the talks in Abu Dhabi, while describing the “shocking suffering” and the number of people losing their lives as “unconscionable”.
Micheál Martin welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a bilateral meeting (Niall Carson/PA)
Mr Zelensky stressed he wanted to see Europe involved in the talks, as well as the United States and Russia, saying that ending the war without Europe’s participation “would be impossible”.
He said he expects to get reaction from the Russian side to the issues that were raised, including potentially exchanging 1,000-1,200 prisoners of war.
“That would be a very positive thing, and I don’t see any reasons for Russia to not accept that proposal,” he said.
“A second thing that was discussed was security guarantees. Several formats of security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed.
“It’s not the first time that this issue has been raised, but the sides have engaged in more detailed dialogue on this issue.”
In terms of the drones programme with Ireland, Mr Zelensky said they are “ready to help” with drone technology, adding: “We are ready for co-production with Ireland, and we expect our drone deal with Ireland to become operational”.
A major security operation has seen a ring of steel throughout the Irish capital.
Traffic restrictions and road closures in Dublin were being brought in from Wednesday, as commuters were warned of severe delays.
As delegates arrive for two major EU presidency events on Thursday and Friday, police in Dublin have shut down parts of the city as part of the largest policing and security operation.
More than 50 world leaders will visit Dublin for the European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday, followed by an informal meeting of the EU Council on Friday.
Both events will take place at the Convention Centre on the North Wall Quay and will be followed by a dinner event at the National Gallery on the south side of the city.
An Garda Síochána have put in place road closures around the Convention Centre in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)
Vast barriers have been put in place around the area, preventing access for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Air and maritime exclusion zones have also been put in place as world leaders descend on the city.
The security operation will see thousands of gardaí deployed throughout the city.
There will be 100 specially trained motorcycle escort officers who will perform a minimum of 200 movements of VIPs, including heads of state.
Gardaí will take part in 15,000 rolling 12-hour shifts and have drafted in officers from Northern Ireland, Latvia and Portugal.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said there will be approximately 500 public order-trained Garda members along with 500 officers of various disciplines, some of whom will carry firearms in various tactical roles in the form of emergency response and close protection.
Equipment including water cannon, public order dogs and horses will also be available for gardaí.
The extensive road closures will run through until late on Friday, with security cordons and public diversions in place.
Transport chiefs expect every bus route in the capital to be affected by knock-on traffic disruption associated with road closures and diversions due to the event, and they have asked people to consider if their plans in Dublin on Thursday and Friday are necessary.
Real-time information on arriving buses will not be available on display boards at stops but will still be accessible through apps, the National Transport Authority said, and it advised people to check its website for all information on route changes.
Mr Kelly said there will be a zero-tolerance approach to protests which block infrastructure or interfere with the running of the major EU events.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said there will be a zero tolerance approach to demos which cause blockages (Niall Carson/PA)
“In relation to fuel protests themselves, there’ll be absolutely no toleration for any blockage, anything in the next few days, anything around motorways, critical infrastructure, or any of the EPC locations,” he added.
Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Roberts said he is aware of some people wishing to protest over Thursday and Friday.
“We have engaged with a number of parties, and I would ask that anybody that is minded and that wants to protest to engage with An Garda Síochána, and we will facilitate lawful, peaceful protest,” he added.
“We have nothing to suggest that any protest that is planned will be anything other than peaceful.
“As the commissioner has already said, there will be no tolerance for any protest which involves the blocking of roads, obstruction of any aspect of the event will be dealt with swiftly and robustly, and there will certainly be no tolerance of any interference with critical infrastructure.”
