Security expert says Ireland can do little to stop Russian naval exercises

A Zircon hypersonic cruise missile is launched by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov of the Russian navy from the White Sea, in the north of Russia last year. Russia may be trying to “disturb Nato” essentially by implying that Nato could face multiple challenges. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

There is little that the Irish government can do to persuade Russia not to go ahead with naval exercises off the southwest coast next month, an expert in international security has said.

The proposed Russian naval exercises are expected to take place in early February in international waters but will still be within Ireland's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).