Pressure is mounting on Ireland over alumina exports from the Aughinish Alumina plant, Europe's largest alumina refinery owned by Russian company Rusal. The exports potentially fuel Russia's war in Ukraine, creating a dilemma as Ireland prepares to assume the EU presidency. Rusal, founded by sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska, faces scrutiny despite its plant not being directly subject to EU sanctions.

Russian customs data reveals Ireland exported €315 million worth of alumina to Russia in 2025, up from €196 million in 2021. The material goes to Rusal's Siberian plant in Krasnoyarsk, a critical military-industrial hub. Aluminum from this plant supplies Russia's military production, including drones and missiles used against Ukraine, according to the Kyiv School of Economics.

The Irish government claims it's investigating but has found no evidence weapons production is involved. Discrepancies in export data - initially reported at 83% to Russia, later corrected to 51% by the company - have fueled criticism. Ireland's opposition parties and Ukraine's embassy in Dublin have expressed serious concern, highlighting the growing diplomatic challenge as Ireland takes on the EU presidency.