The gate into the Russian Embassy in Dublin has been doused in red paint during a protest of the invasion of Ukraine.
Russian missiles were fired at Ukrainian cities this morning after Putin announced a "special military operation" was underway.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister described it as a "full-scale invasion" and said they will defend themselves in the war which they "will win".
At least eight people have been killed and nine more wounded by the Russian shelling, according to reports.
There were as many as 20 protesters flying Ukraine flags at the Embassy on Orwell Road in Milltown when the red paint was thrown over the Russian emblem, a source told Dublin Live.
Another protest is planned for 3pm and a garda presence will be maintained throughout.
Cars were heard beeping as they drove past the embassy after the news of the invasion broke this morning.
A man was arrested at the scene and he is being held at Rathfarnham Garda Station.
A spokesman said: "Gardaí have arrested a man aged in his 30s in relation to an incident of Criminal Damage which occurred this morning, 24th February 2022, at a premises on Orwell Road, Dublin 14.
"The man is currently detained at Rathfarnham Garda Station under Section 4 of The Criminal Justice Act, 1984."
Any Irish citizen in Ukraine has been urged to look for shelter by the Department of Foreign Affairs, as explosions and gunfire are heard across the country.
The Taoiseach said this morning: "I utterly condemn Russia’s indefensible attack on the sovereign people of Ukraine.
"Our first thoughts are with them. We will work with the EU and UN to hold Putin and his regime accountable. Russia will pay a high price for this outrageous act of aggression. We stand with Ukraine."
Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has hit out at Russia's invasion of Ukraine in a strong statement.
Speaking on Morning Ireland on Thursday morning, Mr Coveney said: "We are in complete solidarity with Ukraine. This is an illegal act of aggression from Russia. They are lying about the justification for it.
"It's an attack on Ukraine and an attack on the kind of Europe that we, collectively, have built since World War Two.
"You will see the EU working with other countries to take a strong stance now. The emergency leaders meeting will bring much tougher sanctions, I believe. It will send a very clear signal: We cannot accept this."
Mr Coveney added that there had been multiple attempts to negotiate with President Putin in the build up to this week's events, but these had been to no avail.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "The Department of Foreign Affairs recommends that all Irish citizens currently in Ukraine seek shelter in a secure place. We advise that citizens do not move around the country in the coming hours and to follow the advice of local authorities. The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Ukraine.
"The Department will issue regular updates via press release and on the @dfatirl Twitter account as the situation develops."
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