Irish leaders condemn Russian invasion as ‘a shocking murderous act of aggression’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for “severe” sanctions in response

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Today’s invasion by Russia on Ukraine’s sovereign territory, and its attack on its people, is an outrageous breach of the fundamental principles of international law.” Picture: RollingNews.ie

Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs in Ireland, condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “a shocking murderous act of aggression against a sovereign peaceful state” on Thursday morning as reports emerged of Russian tanks rolling into the European state from Crimea.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent people of Ukraine, as families wake up to shocking Russian attacks,” Coveney said. “Russian leaders are lying to their own people to justify this illegal aggression. ...