The Russian Ambassador to Ireland has criticised the Taoiseach's recent visit to Kyiv, claiming it was an attempt to disguise what he called the "crucial responsibility of the West" for the conflict in Ukraine.
Micheál Martin began a trip to the Ukrainian capital last week by viewing the conflict-scarred suburbs of Borodyanka, Bucha and Irpin.
The tour included a visit to the site of a mass grave in the grounds of a church in Bucha.
Mr Martin also held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week, in which he restated Irish solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
"It is difficult to comprehend the devastation and inhumanity of Russia's attacks on Irpin, Borodyanka and Bucha," he said.
"Clear how important it is for women and children to get to Ireland to escape trauma and brutality. We stand with Ukraine," he added.
Mr Martin also described the invasion as a "gross violation of international law".
Mr Zelensky also thanked Ireland for its support amid the Russian invasion.
Russian Ambassador to Ireland Yuriy Filatov said the visit brought to light "one of the signature characteristics" of the West's attitude towards the invasion.
He said this was "an almost universal desire of politicians and media alike to try to adopt high moral ground, depicting Ukraine as a victim of unprovoked and perfidious attack from its neighbour".
"Such moralising has been actively used in an attempt to disguise crucial responsibility of the West, including Ireland, for the development of crisis and ultimately current military conflict in Ukraine," Mr Filatov said.
The ambassador said Ireland and the EU's response to the war was "neither a moral proposition, nor a responsible policy".
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February.
Mr Filatov also claimed Russia did not start the war, instead blaming an "illegitimate regime" in Kyiv of starting the conflict in 2014.
It said the Kyiv government formed after Euromaidan had been rejected by people in eastern Ukraine.
"Refusal by the West to genuinely support peaceful political settlement in the Eastern Ukraine – along with demonstrative ignoring by the US, EU and NATO of Russia's proposals on security guaranties in Europe – has left Russian Government with no option other than to end Donbass suffering and protect Russia’s national security," he said.
