Ireland will keep a diplomatic presence in Ukraine 'as long as it is safe'

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney speaking to the media outside Grand Central Hotel in Belfast. Picture date: Friday September 17, 2021.

Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney has said Ireland will continue to keep a diplomatic presence in Ukraine "as long as it is safe" to do so.

Mr Coveney was speaking as the Government advised against all travel to Ukraine amidst rising tensions in the country as Russian troops build-up on its borders, and asked citizens to leave immediately by commercial means.