Russia is set to launch rockets off Ireland's south-west coast with four "live fire" exercises in February.
The Department of Transport has issued a notice to shipowners, fishing vessel owners, agents, shipmasters, skippers, fishers, yachtsmen and seafarers about the upcoming drills.
The "Russian Federation" will carry out all four exercises between February 3rd and 8th.
And the department are warning of a "serious safety risk" in the area with all vessels asked to avoid the area.
The official statement reads: "The Russian Federation has indicated that the exercises will include the use of naval artillery and launching of rockets. Given the nature of the planned exercises and the presence of naval forces, vessels and crew are advised of serious safety risksin the operational area.Masters should navigate their vessel to ensure safety at all times."
It comes as Simon Coveney has pledged Ireland’s support for Ukraine in the face of the threat of imminent invasion from Russia.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs told the Dáil on Thursday morning that this country is “committed” to Ukraine and will “support its sovereignty.”
Mr Coveney also used the Dáil forum, this time with his Minister for Defence hat on, to express “full support and confidence in the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces."
He had to do this after an embarrassing cock-up on Wednesday night when he criticised the Defence Forces boss for meeting with the Russian ambassador last Friday. He told his colleagues of the Fine Gael parliamentary party that he was “surprised” to see a photo of our military chief and the Russian ambassador together, and that it was “ill-judged.”
Russia now has more than 100,000 troops standing at the Ukrainian border and NATO in retaliation has sent troops deeper into eastern Europe.
These wargames and brinkmanship point towards Russia preparing to launch a possible invasion of Ukraine and the first land war in Europe since the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s.
Mr Coveney said in the Dáil: “We are committed to Ukraine."
