Russian Embassy warns Ireland over citizens fighting in Ukraine

The Russian Embassy in Dublin issued a strong warning that there will be severe repercussions for Ireland if its citizens are encouraged to join the war in Ukraine. The embassy issued a statement on social media, stating that if Russia deemed Ireland to be a direct participant in the conflict, the consequences would be dire. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan called for the expulsion of Russian Ambassador Yuriy Filatov and his team, labeling the embassy’s statement “threatening, intimidating, and chilling.” The embassy’s statement also attacked Tánaiste Micheál Martin, accusing him of praising Finbar Cafferkey, an Achill Island man who was reportedly killed fighting in Ukraine, by calling him a “man of principles.” The statement went on to claim that the Irish Government and media were responsible for Cafferkey’s death and accused them of misleading people to participate in the conflict. The embassy cautioned that if Ireland were to become directly involved in the conflict, the outcome would be detrimental.