Micheal Martin has told his parliamentary party that Russia's warmongering in Ukraine could have "devastating consequences" for Ireland.
The Taoiseach told the private gathering of TDs, Senators and MEPs on Wednesday night that he has asked all government departments to prepare contingency plans in the face of the escalating crisis.
The Taoiseach said: "The situation with Russia is very serious and there is an emergency EU council on Thursday.
"We are seeing mass militarisation and we have seen nothing like this since World War II.
"Everyone in Europe is vulnerable to this aggression and we cannot accept it.
"Covid has been a tough two years but the severity of this new crisis has shown no signs of abating and a severe escalation will have devastating consequences.
"It will have an impact on global stability, economies and also inflation.
"We hope diplomacy can win out.
"Sanctions will impact everyone across the EU in different ways but are a necessary response.
"We have asked all departments and agencies to develop contingency plans in response to this crisis.
"We will also show a humanitarian approach to the impact that this will have on migration.
"There is also a cyber security risk that we must monitor. There will be a difficult period ahead."
