Micheál Martin said EU leaders will meet later to adopt the most severe package of sanctions against Russia it has ever considered.
He said it would aim to hit Vladimir Putin and his henchmen where it hurts most by targeting their assets and banks.
The Taoiseach said the EU couldn't stand by on a conflict that could spread beyond the borders of Ukraine:
"Today's invasion by Russia of Ukraine's sovereign territory, and its attack on its people, is an outrageous and moral breach of the most fundamental and basic principles of international law."
