Foreign Minister Simon Coveney fears war is inevitable as Russia stood poised to invade Ukraine on Sunday.
He said the prospect of an armed conflict is now “the expectation” with hopes fading for a diplomatic settlement.
Mr Coveney spoke as it was revealed Russian forces have painted a mysterious “Z” on their vehicles as they close in on Ukraine - raising suspicions it is an attack code. The symbol was spotted on tanks, self-propelled guns, fuel trucks and supply vehicles between six and 25 miles from the border.
