Russia's invasion of Ukraine is an outrageous attack on an independent country. It is a proud, peace loving nation with a rich history. The attack undermines the rule of law, breaches the UN charter and has the potential to create another humanitarian crisis across Europe. Ireland and Ukraine have strong political ties as well as social ones. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and our diplomats are working in Ukraine to evacuate Irish citizens caught up in the conflict. However, there are many Ukrainians here with ties to Ireland, who have family there, who are very worried about their safety. Will the Government waive the visa requirements and offer them humanitarian assistance to come to Ireland in the coming days and weeks?

I thank Deputy Devlin for raising this. We have a small but active and very welcome Ukrainian community here in Ireland, many of whom are established here for some time. There is a moral obligation on us to assist them to have their relatives, especially those who are dependent on them, to come to Ireland. It is complicated because we have a very small embassy in Kyiv. It only opened in the last couple of years with only two people on the ground. They are currently in a safe location for their own safety. It is not as simple as it might be but I absolutely agree, as does the Government, with the principle of what the Deputy put forward, namely that Ukrainian citizens who are established here in Ireland should be assisted to get their relatives here safely.

Will the Tánaiste confirm that the Government will not only seek wide ranging sanctions on Russian officials and entities but also officials and entities in Belarus, occupied South Ossetia and occupied eastern Ukraine which have aided and abetted this invasion? Will the Tánaiste elaborate on the preparatory work that has been done by the Government to accept large-scale refugees from invaded Ukraine? We are under no illusion that there is war in Europe today due to Russian aggression. Will the Irish Government expel the Russian ambassador?

This is genuinely one of those moments where I am glad that we are part of the EU and we do not stand alone. The EU does not just ensure and underpin our economic prosperity but it also helps to underpin our security and allows us to act with solidarity when it comes to issues such as this.

There will be a meeting of the European Council this evening in Brussels. The Taoiseach will attend. Whatever we do on sanctions, refugees or on the Russian ambassador and diplomats will be done at European level because Putin and the Russian regime have no fear of small countries. They have no fear, even, of large countries. Ukraine is not a small country. However, it might have a fear of the EU and of the EU, the USA, the west and democratic nations acting together. It is really important that we act in consort with our European allies. Let me be very clear, that when it comes to accepting refugees and to financial and other sanctions, Ireland is willing to be at the forefront of doing what is right, regardless of any selfish or economic concerns that we might have for ourselves.