The Foreign Affairs Minister says he understands calls for him to expel the Russian Ambassador from Ireland.
There have been demands for Yuri Filatov to be expelled after he made repeated denials that Russia was poised to invade Ukraine.
Minister Simon Coveney says that while he understands the anger and sentiment, he needs to keep some diplomatic channels open.
"We have children being born in Kyiv who's parents are Irish through surrogacy who can't get to those children."
"I need to insure that regardless of what happens in the coming weeks or months that we have some line of communication with Moscow, in terms of looking after our own people."
The Minister says that doesn't mean he won't consider expelling some Russian diplomats from the country.
He stated that Ireland "is with the people of Ukraine" and will be contributing to a €500 million package from the EU to support the country during the invasion.
