The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., strongly condemned the aggression by Russian armed forces in Ukraine and warned that the EU would impose sanctions if Russia did not move urgently to de-escalate the crisis.

Speaking after an emergency meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, the Tánaiste said he had summoned the Russian Ambassador for a meeting today.

He said: "This is the worst crisis which Europe has faced since the end of the Cold War. I strongly condemn what has taken place in Crimea over the weekend and call on Russia to immediately withdraw troops to their barracks. Russia's actions are in clear breach of international law and of their obligations to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Today, I will call in the Russian Ambassador to Ireland to express our condemnation of Russia's actions in Crimea and to ensure that he conveys Ireland’s deep concern to his government.

"The EU wants to see a peaceful solution to the current crisis and stands ready to engage in talks with all parties to resolve this crisis. We will work with the United Nations and the OSCE to facilitate a peaceful resolution of this dangerous situation."

(CD/IT)