Having realized the threat stemming from the Kremlin, after Russia temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea and invaded Donbas in 2014, the international community, including Ireland, has implemented a policy of non-recognition and imposed sanctions on Russia.
It drew thus a clear line between law and crime, between good and evil.
It is important to remember that the Russian aggression against Ukraine is not just about Ukraine, it is the threat to the European security order, its rules and principles that have served as the basis for Europe's stability and security since the end of the Cold War.
Russia`s intervention in elections in the US and other countries, cyberattacks in France and after all the chemical attack in the small English town of Salisbury proved to be elements of the Kremlin`s aggression conducted worldwide.
Only global and coordinated response to Russia`s outrageous behaviour may have effect.
However, the united endeavors may be seriously undermined if some actors try to circumvent sanctions and to take advantage of the situation to their own benefit and at the expense of others.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland believes that Irish nationals and businesses will refrain from illegally visiting Crimea, as well as from any activities in the peninsula in violation of the concerted efforts of the international community, including the EU.