Over one hundred Irish Ukranians are attending a demonstration at the Russian Embassy in Dublin this afternoon.

They are opposing today's referendum on whether people on the Crimean peninsula should remain in Ukraine or re-join Russia.

Ukraine's acting defence minister says Russia is continuing its build-up of troops, up to 22-thousand servicemen have already been recruited.

The poll has been condemned as illegal by western leaders but Moscow says it complies with international law.

Today's protest in Dublin is titled "Breaking bread" and features hundreds of loaves of bread piled at the gates of the embassy.

This is in response to the Ambassador and represent Ukraine's reputation as the breadbasket of Europe.

Helena Ranko from the Ukranian Irish Community says that they had to come out and stand against the violence:

Image: Members of the Ukrainain Community in Ireland group holding a protest outside the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 19/2/2014 Photo: /Photocall Ireland