Ireland to back further EU sanctions on Russia

Ukrainian servicemen check streets for booby traps in the formerly Russian-occupied Kyiv suburb of Bucha, Ukraine. Picture: AP

Ireland will support further sanctions on Russia at EU level, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney have confirmed.

Both men said the actions of Putin’s forces in Ukraine in recent days call for further action from the bloc. Pressure is increasing on the government to expel the Russian ambassador after Lithuania did so yesterday. Germany expelled 40 Russian diplomatic staff.