Claire Brock is joined by Columnist Gerard Howlin, Political Editor Kevin Doyle, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan MEP and Hildegard Naughton TD to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan has stopped trying to understand the logic behind the Russian attack. He believes the attacks are driven by one man's 'madness.' He emphasises the fact that these actions have taken Ireland by surprise, stating that if we knew this would happen, there would have been much harsher sanctions placed on Russia.
Claire Brock brings us the resolution Flanagan voted against in the European Parliament which would have condemned the large Russian military build-up in Ukraine, to agree Russia does not decide Ukraine's future and a suspension from the Swift payment system.
Flanagan did not believe at the time Russia would inflict such violence. He believes now that the resolution should come into effect now.
Gerard Howlin states that it is not known the full extent of President Putin's plans. Howlin emphasises the moral and economic importance of the sanctions on Russia. He believes Europe will feel the impact of these sanctions as we rely on Russian gas, to even "keep the lights on in this studio."
Claire asks what will become of Russian Ambassador Yury Filatov. Kevin Doyle tells Claire that the Ambassador had a 'sit down' last night and then proceeded to release statements that the media has it all wrong and that Russia will keep us updated.
Kevin Doyle emphasises that the first victim of war is the truth. He agrees with Ming, that there need to be consequences placed on Russia including a suspension from the Swift payment system.
Claire asks Hildegard Naughton why we are holding back on sanctions against Russia.
Hildegard Naughton believes a 'strong response' will come from our EU leaders who were meeting last night. Ming asks Naughton why the government would not suspend Russia from the Swift payment system as they had already voted for it in the resolution Ming voted against. Naughton states that it is on the table.
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