Leo Varadkar: We must defend our democracy and support Ukraine

Leo Varadkar: 'The amount of trade we have with Russia and Ukraine is actually quite small. So it's going to be less the direct effects and more the indirect effects that may hit us.' Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins 

Ireland must "defend its system", the Tánaiste has said. Speaking to Pat Kenny on Newstalk, Leo Varadkar said Ireland had "never been politically neutral" and that we were "supporting Ukraine" in the face of a Russian invasion.

He said Ireland must not take its liberal democracy for granted. Mr Varadkar said: "Ireland has been militarily neutral for a very long time since the Second World War. That means we don't get involved in combat. We don't commit combat troops to war.