Varadkar pledges to “hit Russia and Putin where it hurts” as Ireland readies sanctions

“That may have a negative impact on our State but we have to do it because it’s the right thing to do."

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has stated that Ireland is ready to commit to tough sanctions on Russia and its president Vladimir Putin following significant escalations in the Russia/Ukraine conflict over the past 24 hours. President Putin formally announced a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday, warning that the western world will face "consequences never encountered in your history" should leaders attempt to intervene. Following initial reports of airstrikes and explosions across cities such as Kyiv, Podilsk, Kharkiv, Mariupol and more, it has since been confirmed that nearly all major parts of Ukraine have been subject to Russian attacks. Many videos online depict city skylines being lit up by the explosions and locals waking up to the sound of shelling and explosions. Secretary-General for the United Nations António Guterres has issued an impassioned plea to Vladimir Putin to call his troops back home "in the name of humanity". Guterres also spoke of his fears of "the worst war since the beginning of the century" in a public address on Thursday morning. In terms of an Irish response, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has "utterly" condemned Russia for what he called "a shocking murderous act of aggression". Irish citizens in Ukraine have been urged to shelter in a secure place. At least one Irishman has provided a startling on-the-ground report to Newstalk Breakfast, noting that mood in Kyiv is "sombre" and that "the panic is beginning". Asked repeatedly about Ireland's immediate response during Leaders' Questions in Dáil Éireann on Thursday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar outlined the country's intentions to adopt a non-neutral stance and impose tough sanctions where possible, even if it costs Ireland from a financial perspective.

"Whatever we decide to do, we will do on a European level – it’s the only way that it’s going to be effective," said Varadkar in response to a query from Labour leader Alan Kelly.

“We need to hit Russia and we need to hit Putin where it hurts, and that’s going to include financial sanctions and sanctions against the flow of money and banking activities.

“That may have a negative impact on our State but we have to do it because it’s the right thing to do," Varadkar continued.

"But we will do it on a European level, because if we do it unilaterally, the money will just flow elsewhere and it won’t have an effect.

“Certainly, [the Taoiseach] has my support and the support of the Minister for Finance and the full support of Government in signing up for any EU sanctions that are necessary, even if they have a negative impact unfortunately on us, as well.”

Pressed later by Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond on whether Ireland's sanctions will extend to other nations and if the Irish Government will expel the Russian ambassador, the Tánaiste replied:

"This is genuinely one of those moments where I am glad that we are part of the European Union and the European Union doesn't stand alone." Varadkar once again pointed to Thursday evening's upcoming meeting of the European Council and Ireland's intention to commit to collective action. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who will attend the meeting in Brussels, has promised that Russia "will pay a high price" for an "outrageous act of aggression". In anticipation of the crucial gathering, President of the EU Ursula von der Leyen has called on EU member states to unite in solidarity and deliver a strict package of sanctions in response to Russia's action on Ukraine. "The sanctions that we are preparing will have a heavy impact," Von der Leyen said. "Russia's economy has already faced intensified pressure. "These pressures will now accumulate. Our measures will weaken Russia's technological position in key areas, from which the elite makes most of their money." https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1496831425374470145