'Nobody will teach us what to do and not to do on our own territory', says Russian ambassador

When asked where the Russian troops would be going once they leave the eastern Ukraine border, Yuri Filatov said: "They are going in the Russian territory. This is nobody’s business at all." Picture: Gareth Chaney / Collins Photos

The Russian Ambassador to Ireland has said that Russia has no political, military or economic reason to invade Ukraine.

Ambassador Yuri Filatov went as far as to call the idea "insane".

Mr Filatov suggested Russia is pulling back from conflict with Ukraine saying that within maybe three to four weeks Russian forces in the western region would resume "normal standard posture".

"Right now we are in the middle of the training exercises which involve really sizeable quantities of troops and infrastructure. This has nothing to do with Ukraine," he told RTÉ Prime Time.

The ambassador said Russian military movements on the Ukraine border would be over by February 20 adding they would return if there was a necessity to come back.

"Nobody will teach us what to do and not to do on our own territory, let's not forget that."

When asked where the Russian troops would be going once they leave the eastern Ukraine border, Mr Filatov said: "They are going in the Russian territory. This is nobody’s business at all."

Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said he welcomes reports of a possible de-escalation on the ground in Ukraine, but still advised Irish citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.

Russian army tanks stand ready to move back to their permanent base after drills in Russia. Picture: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is ready for talks with the US and Nato on limits for missile deployments and military transparency.

The further sign of easing tensions came after Russia announced it was pulling back some troops from exercises near the border with Ukraine. However, Nato had earlier said it had not seen any sign of de-escalation as of yet.

In a statement tonight, Mr Coveney said it was urgent that Russia de-escalate, abide by international law and engage in dialogue.

It comes as 114 Irish citizens in Ukraine have registered with the embassy in Kyiv. The Department of Foreign Affairs is subject to change over the coming days.

The department is also in close contact with families who have surrogacy arrangements in Ukraine, and is continuing to provide support and assistance.

Mr Coveney said: “My Department’s advice in respect of Ukraine remains not to traveI. I encourage any Irish citizen in Ukraine who has not already done so to register with the Embassy.

“Citizens currently in the country should leave now using available commercial options.”