Russian drones in Polish airspace 'reckless' - Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called Russia's drone incursion into Poland's airspace a "reckless and unprecedented act".
He said it served as a "stark reminder of the threat posed by Russia to Europe's security".
Poland has said it scrambled aircraft alongside allies to shoot down "hostile objects" violating its airspace during a Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine, a first for a NATO country during the war.
"Ireland stands in full solidarity with Poland and its right to take necessary steps to defend its sovereign territory," added Mr Martin.
"As the Government will discuss today, these events underline the need to strengthen our support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia's ongoing war of aggression."
Tánaiste Simon Harris also said he is very concerned with the developments overnight in relation to the "incursion of Polish, air space and territorial integrity by Russia".
Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Harris said this must be a wake-up call for the West.
He said there is a need to significantly increase the level of sanctions on Russia.
Tánaiste concerned about 'incursion of Polish airspace'
"We know sanctions have an effect, but we also know there are many more robust sanctions that could be taken," he said.
"We also know that if the United States would join in partnership with European allies, those sanctions could be much more impactful in terms of ensuring Putin brings an end."
Mr Harris said that US President Donald Trump has talked many times about considering sanctions and that the time for thinking about them is over.
Meanwhile, Mr Martin said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to suspend the EU's trade agreement with Israel is a "very significant development".
Ms von der Leyen delivered her harshest criticism of Israel to date during her State of the Union address in Strasbourg.
Mr Martin said that Ireland has long called for this move as the situation in Gaza is "absolutely catastrophic without any moral justification".
