Not many of us on this island knew the name Yuri Filatov until last week but the Russian Ambassador to Ireland has become a household name since trying to defend the actions of his boss Vladimir Putin and his country's reprehensible invasion of Ukraine on RTÉ last week.
Filatov was even lampooned by John Oliver because of the interview.
So how does the Russian ambassador to Ireland view the Irish response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
Speaking in his own language, Filatov gave his thoughts on how Ireland is responding to the war in Ukraine in an interview with state media outlet Russia 24.
(The interview is not available on youtube in Ireland but was translated by Masha Vasilieva, who lives in Ireland, and translated it to youtube. According to the Irish Times, the translation has been verified.)
The ambassador claims "a very negative role of course is being played by the mass media that shows absolutely tendentious picture of the events happening in Ukraine."
He added: "Ireland is in the forefront with regards to various anti-Russian events."
The ambassador also claimed that Russian natives in Ireland are being bullied, and a state of 'extreme tension' at the Russian embassy, with 'constant threats against employees of the embassy' via phone call and email.
“They receive reprisal threats. Unfortunately, there are cases of bullying,” he claimed.
“This is very sad because in general, in my opinion, the Irish are kind and responsive. But sometimes when they absolutely don’t understand the situation, they take sides without any analysis and they act based on it.
“This is influencing our kids, unfortunately, who are studying here. We are limited in what we can do. We are staying in contact with them, supporting each other and giving advice.”
The ambassador was broadly appreciative of the response to the situation by gardaí, and said staff at the Russian embassy feel safe.
In fact, a priest called into the Liveline programme on RTÉ this afternoon, who threw red paint at the gates of the Russian embassy while he was speaking to Joe Duffy.
There have been numerous calls to expel Mr Filatov from Ireland since the start of the invasion. Cars trying to enter the Russian embassy have been stopped protestors since the start of the invasion.
Tensions high as @EmbassyofRussia tries to enter residence during #Ukraine #UkraineRussia #UkraineInvasion protest pic.twitter.com/BwAmscx6Ge
— Dr. Cara Augustenborg (@CAugustenborg) February 25, 2022
