Coveney warns against creating ‘self-fulfilling prophecies’ in Ukraine conflict

Minister welcomes call to tone down rhetoric and says government will work with Irish companies who may be affected by western sanctions on Russia

Ukrainian soldiers in winter camouflage take part in a military exercise as tensions mount over Russia’s massing of troops at the country’s border . Picture: Getty

Vladimir Putin might not have decided whether to invade Ukraine yet, and there is a danger of creating “self-fulfilling prophecies” during a moment of such high tension, Simon Coveney has said.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs told the Business Post that the government had begun preparatory work with Irish companies that may be vulnerable to economic sanctions from Russia, in the event of the EU and US having to impose sanctions on Moscow over the ...