Taoiseach Micheál Martin has referred to Russian president Vladimir Putin as an "evil" and "dangerous" man.
While Mr Martin said he has not met the Russian president, he told RTÉ’s Late Late show he “didn’t think much of him”.
Mr Martin said there seems to be a “dangerous detachment” with Mr Putin. And photographs emerging of the long table, frightened generals and advisers being “almost interrogated” on national television is the hallmark of a “dangerous autocrat”.
He also accused Mr Putin of ignoring how his actions affect people, which have caused stress, anxiety, death and destruction. “He is an evil man as far as I am concerned.”
Since the invasion began Ukrainian cities have been shelled, destroying buildings and Russian units are now occupying cities and towns.
The UN refugee agency says 1.2 million people have fled the country, with more than half arriving in Poland. The Russian economy has been hit with heavy sanctions from other countries in response to the invasion.
The Taoiseach called the invasion an "illegal, immoral and unprovoked attack", adding that Mr Putin was afraid of democracy. "He has invested in undermining democracy all over Europe for quite some time, and this now is a barbaric brutal attack on the Ukrainian people, because he doesn't want a democratic Ukraine. "
He said Mr Putin organises oppression within his own state, adding that many Russians demonstrating against the war have been jailed. Mr Martin added that the Russian president also controls politics and the media.
Mr Martin said he saluted the bravery and courage shown by the Ukrainian people. And he also spoke highly of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, saying he admired him.
‘A mistake’
Mr Martin said he supports Ukraine joining the European Union. He also said the EU’s enlargement process has been too slow and he believes the process for countries joining should be faster. “Strategically, it was a mistake.”
Any Ukrainian people arriving in Ireland will need support, especially young children who will attend Irish schools, according to Mr Martin. “This will be challenging. The first wave of those coming into Ireland are meeting friends and staying with friends.”
The government is discussing opening an online portal or register where people can pledge how they can help the new arrivals, whether this is through providing accommodation or other skills, said Mr Martin.
This will result in the biggest displacement of people on the European continent since the second World War, he added, and Irish people who want to help should make cash donations to the Irish Red Cross.
The Government donated €10 million last week to United Nations organisations at the front line and another €10 million will be donated this week, said the Taoiseach.
Countries who border Ukraine need Europe’s solidarity now in order to provide refugees with the basics, and they need donations to achieve this, he said.
To donate, visit donate.redcross.ie.