The Russian ambassador to Ireland, Yury Filatov, has defended his Government’s military movements planned for Irish economic waters.
The ambassador said it was just “routine training” that had been conducted in “this area of the Atlantic” for many years, even though this is the first time it has been in Irish waters.
Mr Filatov also promised that the military manoeuvres are “not in any way a threat to Ireland” or anybody else.
Ambassador Filatov was speaking to reporters from the Russian consulate in Rathgar, Dublin, on Monday night.
Mr Filatov said: “This story of the upcoming planned exercises by the Russian navy in the Atlantic is in fact a non-story.
“It has been hugely overblown.
“I think these exercises are part of the yearly plan of naval activity for 2022, which is a standing procedure with the Russian navy as well as other navies.
“The exercises have been duly notified to the Irish authorities.
“All rules pertaining to the safety of air and maritime traffic will be strictly followed.
“Actually, the exercises in question are simply routine military training conducted on a regular basis for many years in this region of the Atlantic.
“This is not in any way a threat to Ireland, or anybody and no problem is expected.”
Mr Filatov added that the exercises would involve “two to three” Russian gunships, which he described as “small” by Russian standards.
By comparison, the Irish navy has nine small ships in total, with just five operational.
