Zelensky Urges Ireland to Speed Up Investigation Into Alumina Plant Linked to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Ireland to accelerate its investigation into the Aughinish Alumina plant, Europe's largest alumina refinery, amid growing pressure on Dublin over the facility's ownership ties. Ireland has faced increasing scrutiny in recent weeks over the plant, located in County Limerick, which is owned by Rusal, the Russian aluminum giant controlled by oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Alumina is a key material used in aluminum production, and concerns have mounted that the refinery's continued operation may benefit sanctioned Russian interests. The case highlights broader European tensions over how to fully enforce economic sanctions against Russia while managing the industrial and economic implications of closing or seizing major facilities on EU soil.