Russia will not carry out naval exercises off Cork coast 'as gesture of goodwill'

The Russian navy's missile cruiser, Marshal Ustinov, sails off for an exercise in the Arctic.

Russia will not carry out its naval exercises off the Irish coast, the Minister of Defence has confirmed.

Simon Coveney this evening confirmed that he has received assurances from his Russian counterpart, confirming the controversial drills will not go ahead within Ireland's exclusive economic zone, having been planned to take place approximately 240km off the Cork coast.