Ireland begins EU presidency under pressure over Russian alumina exports (euobserver.com)

• Zelensky publicly rebukes Aughinish Alumina refinery during Irish presidency opening ceremony.
• Alumina exports from Ireland to Russia not covered by EU sanctions; used for military production.
• Kallas announces new sanctions; Ireland investigates plant's role in supporting Russian war machine.

"Ukrainian President Zelensky used the opening of Ireland's EU Council presidency to publicly criticize the Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina refinery in County Limerick for supplying Russia with alumina, a key input for military production. The plant, owned by Rusal (Oleg Deripaska), has increased exports since 2022. The EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced new sanctions on entities supporting Russia's military-industrial complex. Ireland has launched an investigation."