DUBLIN, Ireland: Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Tanaiste (deputy prime minister), has called Vladimir Putin the “Hitler of the 21st century.”

Speaking on February 26, Varadkar further labeled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an “atrocity” and indicated that Ireland would not remain politically neutral amidst the ongoing fighting.

“We knew that Putin was a bad man, we’ve known that for a long time now, but we didn’t think that he would be the Hitler of the 21st century, and I think he’s putting himself into that space,” Varadkar said, as quoted by The Independent.

“When it comes to this conflict, Ireland is not neutral. We support Ukraine in any way we can short of military action.”

Varadkar’s comments came as Ireland’s Foreign Minister, Simon Coveney, participated in a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels in which discussions focused on imposing additional sanctions on Russia.

There are indications that new sanctions and economic measures against President Putin and Russia could be imposed by the EU nations within days.

Meanwhile, Coveney supported a freeze on the assets of Putin and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.

Varadkar also announced that Ireland would support banning Russia from the Swift international payment network.

Sources additionally report that Ireland is weighing whether to reduce the number of Russians in their Dublin embassy from 20 to three.

Varadkar said expelling ambassador Russian Yuri Filatov has not been ruled out.

Meanwhile, opposition parties in Ireland have voiced support for expelling Filatov.

On February 25, large crowds of Irish-Ukrainians gathered outside the gates of the Russian embassy in Dublin to denounce the invasion.

Also, Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced that visa restrictions have been removed for Ukrainians seeking to be reunited with families in Ireland.