Expert: Russia believe Ireland a 'weak spot' between Nato's biggest powers

Ukrainian Military Forces serviceman, watches through spyglass in a dugout on the frontline with Russia-backed separatists near Gorlivka, Donetsk region on January 23, 2022. Picture: ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images

An international relations expert says Russia’s exercises off the south coast of Ireland showed how Moscow had identified a “weak spot” just inside Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Russian naval exercises are due to take place in early February, approximately 240km off the southwest coast and within Ireland’s EEZ, but not in the country's territorial waters.