Ireland is nearing the end of an investigation into whether alumina produced at one of the country’s largest industrial facilities was supplied to Russia for use in its military industry, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 1 July.
Speaking during Zelenskyy’s visit to Dublin, Martin said Irish authorities had completed fact-finding and were preparing to submit the case for review, according to ZN.UA.
“I explained to Volodymyr that we are finishing the investigation, and we have obtained all the facts regarding this issue,” Martin said.
He added that Ireland “does not want to be in a situation where materials produced in Ireland are sent to support Russia’s war machine.”
Russian-owned refinery under scrutiny
The investigation concerns Aughinish Alumina, Europe’s largest alumina refinery, located in southwest Ireland.
The refinery is not subject to EU sanctions, but it is owned by Rusal, the Russian aluminum producer founded by sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska.
The issue has drawn increased attention as Ireland began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.
Zelenskyy thanked the Irish government for launching the investigation, saying Russia uses alumina in its defense industry.
“We very much hope for a result that will be positive for us,” he said. “And we hope it won’t take months.”
Zelenskyy urges stronger pressure on Russia
In a separate address marking the start of Ireland’s EU Council presidency, Zelenskyy called on European countries to increase pressure on Moscow through tougher sanctions and closer defense cooperation.
He argued that Europe should target companies that continue supporting Russia’s war effort and accelerate measures that make it harder for Moscow to sustain its invasion, while also deepening cooperation with Ukraine on security and defense technologies.
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