The Taoiseach has said the Ukraine crisis is "frightening and dangerous" and could destroy the economies of Europe and beyond.
Enda Kenny was speaking on the way into this morning's Cabinet meeting, where the Tánaiste will brief the Government on yesterday's summit of EU Foreign Ministers.
Eamon Gilmore will meet the Russian Ambassador later to condemn the Putin government's incursion into Ukraine's Crimea region.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny says the escalating crisis is a matter of grave concern.
"Hopefully this matter can be resolved by diplomacy and negotiation and people don't get into a position where the economies of Europe and beyond are destroyed," he said.