Putin plots to send Russian warships off coast of Ireland as WW3 fears escalate

dailystar.co.uk:

Putin has triggered further World War Three panic as he looks set to send military ships around off the southwest coast of Ireland.The concerns over a live fire naval exercise come amid bubbling tensions at the Ukrainian border as the Russian leader continues to flex his nation’s power.Although the waters his military will travel through are international, it is an Irish controlled airspace and economic zone.One worried Irish politician described it as "deeply concerning" and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has spoken to the Russian authorities over the planned naval artillery exercises.He told the media: “Russian naval exercises are due to take place in early February, approximately 240 kilometres off the southwest coast."In light of the current political and security environment in Europe, the Department of Foreign Affairs has raised a number of concerns with the Russian authorities in respect of these exercises.

We will continue these discussions in the coming days."More broadly, I will also reiterate our full support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and will call again on Russia to de-escalate tensions and engage constructively in dialogue.”He also urged Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Ukraine, which has Russian army units - including both ground troops and amphibious attack personnel – on the border.Other top officials questioned Putin’s motives behind the move.Irish Defence Forces Reservist Robert Gilbey pointed out the area identified was “ideal for protecting a submarine” and said in the past a “suspicious Russian trawler” was spotted in the seas.Stay up to date with all the latest Daily Star news by signing up to one of our free newsletters here.He tweeted:.