An Irish government minister has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's appeal for Ireland to cease alumina exports to Russia, a plea made while Zelensky and his delegation were guests in Ireland. The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about Aughinish Alumina, a facility linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.
Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, stated that Ireland has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, hosting refugees and providing aid. He deemed Zelensky's intervention at a formal event marking the start of Ireland's EU Presidency inappropriate, especially as a review of Aughinish Alumina's operations was already underway. "I do not believe it was an appropriate intervention he made at a major event here... particularly as there is a review into the matter," Collins said.
Zelensky had referred to European companies controlled by sanctioned Russian oligarchs supplying materials to the Russian war effort, making a veiled reference to Aughinish Alumina. "Every ton of raw materials that ends up in Russia is used against us in this war," he stated.
Evidence suggests that trace amounts of alumina refined at Aughinish have been found in Russian ballistic missiles used in attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the Irish government, led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, calling for an expedited inquiry to "cut every possibility for Russia to build up, to militarise itself."
Taoiseach Martin confirmed that the review into Aughinish Alumina would be completed within weeks. He also noted the importance of the refinery and its raw materials to European industry, indicating a complex balance between sanctions and industrial needs.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris stated he had not been involved in discussions about nationalizing the refinery. He emphasized the need to address issues that enable crucial supply chains into the EU while ensuring no indirect assistance reaches the Russian regime.
Separately, the Irish government has refused to disclose details regarding a French frigate providing defense for Irish waters and airspace during the country's EU presidency. This lack of transparency comes amid broader security concerns, including revelations earlier in the year that Ireland's anti-drone technology is insufficient to protect multiple locations simultaneously and lacks the capability to intercept drones.
Senior sources had previously warned that Ireland would need to rely on French and British forces for airspace protection during visits by European leaders and President Zelensky. The French warship is reportedly stationed off Dublin Bay, outside Irish territorial waters. The Department of Defence confirmed they are working with partners on security measures, a practice common during previous presidencies, but offered no specifics on agreements with France or Britain, or whether the warship's presence was at Ireland's request. The department declined to comment on whether foreign entities are solely responsible for national air and maritime defense. These security concerns were amplified during Zelensky's December visit to Ireland when unidentified drones were observed near his flight path approaching Dublin, believed to be part of a Russian-inspired hybrid campaign.