Coveney Raising Concerns With EU Counterparts On Plans For Russian Naval Exercises Off Cork Coast

Amid fears of Russian invasion in Ukraine

The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised concerns with Russian authorities over their naval exercises off the Irish coast.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney will brief his EU counterparts in Brussels today on plans for Russian naval exercises off the Irish coast.

It emerged yesterday that Russia is planning the exercises around 240kms off the south west coast early in February.

Minister Coveney says it will happen within Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone, but not in Ireland's territorial waters.

Under international law, states are allowed carry out naval exercises in another states EEZ, and the Irish Aviation Authority was informed.

Mr. Coveney says in light of the political and security environment in Europe, his department has raised a number of concerns with Russian authorities over these exercises and they will continue these discussions in the coming days.

The Minister says Ireland cannot stop Russia carrying out the exercises off the coast:

Security Analyst Declan Power says the Russians are trying to highlight holes in the EU's defence:

Meanwhile, the United States is sending home all family members of its embassy staff in Ukraine - as fears of a Russian invasion grow.

Washington has told diplomats in Kiev that Russian military action "could come at any time".

Moscow has amassed troops on the border - but insists it's the west who are being aggressive.

Ukraine's ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko explains why talks must not fail: