Russia’s government could take over Aughinish-owner Rusal temporarily to save the metals giant from the impact of US sanctions, a senior official said as the Kremlin struck a sceptical tone about Washington’s decision to ease some limits on the company.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar must contact President Donald Trump directly in relation to 650 jobs in Limerick that are threatened by the US sanctions on Russian firm Rusal, a TD has said.