The Taoiseach has said he doesn't want to contemplate the use of nuclear weapons by Russia.
Micheál Martin said Vladimir Putin has been reckless and irresponsible to suggest he may take the nuclear option.
Russian President Vladimir Putin put his nuclear forces on standby - which the Kremlin claims was prompted by British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss saying she supports British people choosing to travel and fight for Ukraine.
Micheál Martin says he doesn’t even want to contemplate what the EU & world response would be to Russia using nuclear weapons. Says it’s irresponsible and reckless talk from Vladimir Putin #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/uni7949EeC
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) February 28, 2022
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the move from Russia
"Think it's extremely reckless and irresponsible for Vladimir Putin to threaten that."
Independent TD and former army ranger Cathal Berry has called on the Defence Forces to send what weapons we have to Ukraine.
Instead Ireland will send money towards non-lethal support including protective equipment, medical kits and fuel.
The Taoiseach has denied that undermines our neutrality - and asked what the difference was between funding tanks that could kill people and the fuel for those tanks he said the point could be argued either way but ultimately Ireland will support Ukraine and can't stop other EU countries sending weapons.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said,
"We've made it very clear that we won't be contributing funds for the purchase of lethal weapons, but we will be paying an equivalent amount for non-lethal weapon supports like helmets, protection vests, medical kits and fuel."
