PREVIEW — Judy Dempsey — Ireland's Undefended Western Approaches and the Russian Threat. Ireland, a neutral EU member, remains militarily undefended with only four warships and lacks a strategic plan to protect the western approaches where vital undersea

PREVIEW — Judy Dempsey — Ireland's Undefended Western Approaches and the Russian Threat. Ireland, a neutral EU member, remains militarily undefended with only four warships and lacks a strategic plan to protect the western approaches where vital undersea financial cables are located. Russia is reportedly aware of this critical vulnerability. While Ireland compensates by paying the Royal Air Force (RAF) to guard the Irish Sea, the Atlantic flank demands robust defense against the recognized Russian threat, necessitating a fundamental shift in Ireland's strategic mindset.