Russian ambassador to Ireland, Yuri Filatov, says the story about naval drills off Cork “is in fact a non-story - it is in fact hugely overblown” and part of Russia’s routine naval exercises and training.
“No threat is intended, no problem is expected,” he says. @VirginMediaNews
“No threat is intended, no problem is expected,” he says. @VirginMediaNews
Ambassador says the concern is an attempt to play up the (non-existent, he says) threat posed by Russia on Europe’s east. “There are no plans to attract Ukraine or anywhere else.”
Filatov goes on to say Russia is entitled to defend itself given prospective NATO expansion into Ukraine would put St Petersburg or Moscow within five minutes’ flying time of NATO air strikes - hence Russia’s desire for binding guarantees that NATO not expand any further east.
Filatov has told Coveney “there are no grounds for concern about these Irish exercises.”
The exercises are taking place in the north-east Atlantic which have been historically used for naval training worldwide.
It is “a small exercise - maybe three or four ships, maybe more.”
The exercises are taking place in the north-east Atlantic which have been historically used for naval training worldwide.
It is “a small exercise - maybe three or four ships, maybe more.”
Filatov again says these routine exercises are being overblown given the “almost apocalyptic overtones” about the portrayal of the Ukraine issue.
He adds Coveney’s concerns have been relayed to the Russian government, but when asked if the plan will be revised: “why would we?”
He adds Coveney’s concerns have been relayed to the Russian government, but when asked if the plan will be revised: “why would we?”
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