Cónal Thomas: Volodymyr Zelensky, master of wartime propaganda, uses his performer’s skill to woo Dáil chamber

While Ukraine president hailed Ireland for standing with his country against Russia, not everyone in Leinster House was in sync with the message

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with TDs and senators in the Dáil during his visit to Leinster House. Photo: PA

By the time Volodymyr Zelensky entered the Dáil chamber, the temperature outside had dropped to 6C as evening drew in across Merrion Square. Over 3,000km away in Moscow, his enemy was preparing to meet with US brokers to discuss the latest, redrafted peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Almost four years on since Russia invaded his country, the 47-year-old president wore his now customary black suit, having ditched the wartime khaki, and walked down the steps towards the lectern below the press gallery as TDs and senators reached out with mixed success for just one handshake.