Ireland's ambassador in Russia Brian McAlduff has been summoned to meet Russia's foreign ministry over the matter. The ministry is demanding compensation and an official apology from Ireland.
"On March 8, the Irish Ambassador to Moscow, B. Macalduff, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry," a statement from the Russian diplomatic mission reads. "The ambassador was strongly protested in connection with an incident with a security breach of the Russian Embassy in Dublin, during which a truck rammed the entrance gate of the Russian diplomatic mission."
"We demand from the leadership of Ireland an official apology for what happened and full compensation for the damage caused," the statement continues. "We also expect the authorities of this country to conduct an objective investigation and punish those responsible."
Russia's foreign ministry condemns the "blatant inaction of law enforcement agencies in Ireland, when such actions are committed in the presence of policemen."
A spokesperson for the Russian embassy accused gardaí of standing idly by while the incident occurred.
"A large truck came over to the gates of the Embassy, pulled back and tore down the gates of the Embassy," the spokesperson said. "The incident took place in the presence of Garda officers, who stood idle. The embassy strongly condemns this criminal act of insanity directed against peaceful diplomatic mission."
A man was arrested following the incident and gardaí erected barriers to prevent protesters accessing the embassy.
This prompted a later statement from the Russian embassy, who wrote that "additional measures have been undertaken by the Garda to ensure safety and security of the Embassy and its personnel. The Embassy appreciates cooperation by the Irish authorities in this matter."
