Ministers signal support for Ukraine after ‘grave’ speech by Putin

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey speaking to the media as they visit the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska Co Laois (Niall Carson/PA)

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has described a speech given by Russian President Vladimir Putin as “grave”, as senior government ministers signalled that Ireland’s support for Ukraine would remain steadfast in the wake of an expected escalation.

Mr Putin warned that Russia would use “all the means at our disposal” to protect itself, announcing that 300,000 reservists would be called up and vowing that Russia would use its weapons of mass destruction if its territory was threatened.