The Minister for Justice has said further sanctions against Russia will send a message that the country's "appalling behaviour" in Ukraine "won't be tolerated".
Helen McEntee was speaking as the European Union prepares to announce a third package of sanctions against Russia.
The battle for the Ukrainian capital Kyiv is under way as Russian troops have already blocked the city from the west and captured Hostomel airport.
Over 130 Ukrainian citizens and soldiers have been killed since the country was invaded on Thursday.
Minister McEntee said Ireland stands behind the people of Ukraine and will not tolerate Russia's actions.
Regarding her message to Ukrainians, she said: "We're here and we're going to support you.
"The scenes that we're witnessing are absolutely appalling, this is an unprovoked, appalling attack on a democracy and it simply isn't something we can tolerate in Ireland and this government stands firmly behind the people of Ukraine
"What's important is that we act collectively and send a very clear message and a very strong signal that this is not acceptable, that this is appalling behaviour and that it won't be tolerated."
Earlier on Thursday, the Fine Gael TD announced that visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens to enter Ireland were being lifted.
This will apply to all Ukrainians who want to travel to Ireland, Irish citizens and their families in Ukraine, as well as the families of members of the Ukrainian community in Ireland who may want to leave Ukraine, she said.
"We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people and will, working with our partners in the European Union, play our part in assisting them in their time of need," she added.
Minister McEntee explained that she hopes the move will show that Ireland intends to be a "safe haven" for people fleeing the country.
"What this essentially means is that any Ukrainian citizen who wants to travel to Ireland can now travel," she told RTE Radio One's Drivetime programme.
"Prior to this there was a visa requirement, it's not the case for a lot of European Member States, and that's because we're not in Schengen.
"This visa requirement has been lifted.
"I think what will happen for those who can cross and travel is the majority of those who have family members here, they will be able to join their families here and also Irish citizens who are in Ukraine who are married to Ukrainian citizens
"I think what we will mainly see is those coming to meet their families, and those seeking refuge here will not have any barrier put in their way.
"I hope it sends a very clear message that we want to offer a safe haven here for people and we want to support them."
