President Zelensky urges countries supplying aluminium to Russia to reconsider

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Ireland to quickly conclude its investigation into exports from the Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina plant, warning that the materials that end up in Russia are helping fuel the war in Ukraine.

Speaking during a visit to Dublin for the launch of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Volodymyr Zelensky said Europe must do more to target Russian-controlled companies operating within the bloc that continue to supply essential materials to Moscow’s war effort.

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While he did not name Aughinish Alumina specifically during his address at Dublin Castle, his comments were widely seen as a reference to the Co. Limerick refinery, which is owned by Russian aluminium giant Rusal.

The Department of Enterprise is investigating whether alumina produced at the plant is eventually being used to manufacture Russian weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pic: Contributor/Getty Images

Mr. Zelensky later told reporters he hoped Ireland’s investigation would not drag on for months.

‘Every tonne of raw materials that ends in Russia is used against us in this war,’ he said, adding that Ukraine is ‘very interested’ in the outcome of the inquiry and hopes for a positive result.

The Ukrainian leader also called on the European Union to introduce further sanctions against Russia’s alleged shadow fleet and against companies that continue to support Russia despite sanctions imposed on Russian oligarchs.

PORTLAND, ENGLAND – JUNE 14: Military personnel arrive at Portland Port after leaving the detained Smyrtos vessel outside the harbour, on June 14, 2026 in Portland, England. An oil tanker operating as part of Russia’s shadow fleet has been intercepted by British Forces in the English Channel. In the early hours of Sunday morning, Royal Marine Commandos and members of the National Crime Agency boarded the Smyrtos vessel, which is sailing under the flag of Cameroon. The operation is the first time the UK has intercepted a sanctioned Russian tanker, as part of efforts to disrupt Russia’s funding of its war in Ukraine. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

‘Unfortunately, there are companies in Europe that are owned or effectively controlled by Russia and its sanctioned oligarchs. They keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials, even now,’ he said.

Following a bilateral meeting with Mr. Zelensky, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government’s investigation is nearing completion and insisted Ireland does not want materials produced here to support Russia’s military.

Martin said, ‘We do not want to be in a position where material emanating from a plant in Ireland goes to support the Russian war machine’, adding that the findings of the investigation will be discussed with the European Commission once they are concluded.