The Government, it seems are likely to extend the visa of Russian Ambassador Yuri Filatov, despite repeated calls to expel Mr Filatov as a result of Russia’s barbaric war in Ukraine.
The ambassador’s visa is due to expire within weeks and the Russian Embassy has written twice to the Department of Foreign Affairs, for it to be extended so as to remain in Ireland according to the Irish Mirror.
The Taoiseach Micheal Martin would not say unequivocally if he expected the Government to renew Mr. Filatov’s visa.
He said on Friday: “The Government’s position in relation to the diplomatic relationship between the Russian Federation and Ireland still stands.
“We’re working in collaboration with the other EU Government’s approach to Russia’s illegal and very immoral war on the people of Ukraine.
“And we’ll work with our EU colleagues to keep the pressure on Russia to stop this terrible war which is having a terrible impact on the people of Ukraine and has caused historically the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.
“We don’t get into the visa side, if we’re going to do something it’d be on a policy basis.”
The Russian Embassy contacted Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney’s Department on April 13, issuing documentation to be approved for the renewal of Mr Filatov’s visa.
