Volodymyr Zelensky is in Dublin at a moment of extraordinary pressure — both for Ukraine and for Europe. The Ukrainian president arrives amid huge security precautions, with Gardaí and Defence Forces on high alert. And according to Professor John O’Brennan, that level of protection isn’t theatre: it reflects real malign threats linked to Russia, from cyber-attacks to the probing of deep-sea cables and suspicious vessel movements in Irish waters. He believes this visit may even serve as a test-run for Ireland’s EU presidency next year. 

Zelensky’s arrival also comes as the United States pushes hard for a peace deal that critics warn tilts towards Moscow. Donald Trump appears impatient for a quick end to the conflict, with John O’Brennan telling us that the former president would prefer Zelensky to “effectively surrender” so Washington can claim credit for ending another war. He sees Russian fingerprints all over the latest blueprint. 

But despite political upheaval at home, including the resignation of a key adviser in a corruption scandal, Zelensky remains — in O’Brennan’s words — “the most formidable leader in the world over the past four years.” His visit to Ireland signals not just diplomatic courtesy, but a strategic push for European unity at a time when America’s reliability is increasingly uncertain. 

Professor John O’Brennan from Maynooth University joins Tara Duggan on Newstalk Daily to explore the real significance of this state visit, the political danger surrounding the peace talks, and Europe’s responsibility at this pivotal moment. 

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