Ukrainian envoy to Ireland raises concerns with Taoiseach

Ukraine’s ambassador to Ireland spoke with Taoiseach Enda Kenny on Saturday to voice concerns about Russia’s military intervention in the country.

Sergii Reva, who has been Ukraine’s envoy in Dublin since 2010, met Mr Kenny briefly on the margins of the Fine Gael Ardfheis, it is understood. Ambassadors from many countries typically attend ardfheiseanna and other party conferences.

"I call, through your newspaper, on all Irish people, all people of goodwill, to raise their voice to stop the Russian aggression against Ukraine and to prevent war in the geographical centre of Europe." Mr Reva told The Irish Times .

“I think that Ireland and all the EU states should take all legitimate steps to prevent Russia from further escalation of its military actions.

“I am convinced that in the 21st century that force of law should prevail, not the law of force.”

Mr Reva, who was director general for political affairs in Ukraine’s foreign ministry before his appointment as ambassador to Ireland, is in regular contact with Department of Foreign Affairs officials.

He pressed the Government for explicit statements against President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Crimea after the Russian parliament voted on Saturday to authorise the deployment of troops in Ukraine.

'Unjustified action'
Mr Reva is understood to have called last weekend for a "clear stand" from Ireland against "unprovoked, unjustified action" by Moscow, saying the military intervention was in violation of international law and treaties entered into by the Russian authorities.

He is also understood to have told Irish officials that Ukraine’s government supports the notion of European sanctions and other action against the incursion in Crimea.

In a statement on Saturday, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said developments appeared to severely threaten Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“I call on the Russian Federation to abide by international law and to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence as it is obliged to do,” said Mr Gilmore.