Tanáiste Leo Varadkar has condemned an “attack” on the Russian embassy in Ireland which saw a man reverse a truck into the gates on Monday.
Businessman Desmond Wisley, 49 from Leitrim reversed into the gates of the Russian embassy and told the ambassador to “leave this country”.
He told protesters he made the move after he saw pictures of a family killed in Irpin in Ukraine.
He was arrested outside the Orwell Road premises in South Dublin at around 1.30pm yesterday and is due to appear before a sitting of Tallaght District Court on Tuesday.
He runs Desmond Wisley Ecclesiastical Supplies, which sells religious products including wine, bread, altar cloths, banners, candles and vestments.
Speaking on his way into Cabinet on Tuesday, Mr Varadkar said the incident was “foolish and unhelpful” and said it will be misrepresented on Russian State TV.
He said: “I want to condemn the attack that occurred at the Russian embassy.
“It may be the case that the person behind it has strong feelings on this issue, but it was not helpful at all because we’ve obligations under the Vienna convention, to protect diplomats that are here in Ireland.
“And also that will be misrepresented on Russian State TV as Irish people being involved in Irish acts against Russians.
“So it was a foolish and unhelpful act in that regard.”
The Fine Gael leader also encouraged people to protest peacefully.
He added: “And I would say to anyone being involved in protests, please do protest, we want you to do that but peaceful protests.
“No violence, no criminal damage and of course the Gardaí and the Department of Foreign Affairs have been in touch with the Russian embassy and are reviewing security so something like this doesn’t happen again.”
The Russian embassy released a strong-worded statement slamming the incident as officials accused gardai of standing “idle” when it happened.
It stated: “The incident took place in the presence of Garda officers, who stood idle. The Embassy strongly condemns this criminal act of insanity directed against peaceful diplomatic mission.
“The Embassy views this incident as a clear and blatant violation of Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic relations of 1961.
“The Embassy is in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, demanding that the Irish authorities take comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of its staff and their family members.
“The incident is cause of extreme concern.
“We believe that no people of sound mind could support such senseless and barbaric actions.”
On Monday evening, the embassy claimed “additional measures have been undertaken” by gardai “to ensure safety and security of the embassy and its personnel.”
It added: “The embassy appreciates cooperation by the Irish authorities in this matter.”
It comes after a priest threw a tin of red paint at the Russian Embassy entrance last Friday because the invasion of Ukraine was “the work of Satan”.
