Ukrainian president warns Aughinish Alumina probe must not drag on for months

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy making a speech at the opening ceremony of Ireland taking on the Council of the European Union

The Ukrainian president has warned that a probe into Aughinish Alumina’s exports to Russia for use in their war machine must not drag on for months.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “every tonne” of raw material that ends up in Russia is being used against Ukraine.

An investigation was launched by the Department of Enterprise to consider whether the Limerick-based plant is contributing to the Russian war effort in Ukraine.

The plant produces alumina, which has been exported to Russia to make aluminium, which is further used in the production of weapons such as ballistic missiles.

“We very much hope for a positive result for us in this investigation. We do hope that we will not have to wait for it for months,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

“I am confident whatever we are doing now, we’re cutting every possibility in every sphere for Russia to build up, to militarise itself and in our temporarily occupied territories.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Zelenskyy called directly for sanctions on “companies in European countries whose only purpose is to work for Russia”.

The Ukrainian president was speaking after he met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who hosted Mr Zelenskyy on the first day of Ireland’s six-month EU presidency at a special opening ceremony in Dublin Castle.

Mr Martin said there had been a “good discussion” on the issue of Aughinish Alumina, adding that the investigation is nearing completion.

“We do not want to be in a position where material emanating from a plant in Ireland goes to support the Russian war machine,” Mr Martin said.

The Taoiseach said at the conclusion of the investigation, the Government would “take it up” with the European Commission.

Mr Zelenskyy said it was important to shrink the Russian economy, saying it would further decrease its capabilities to attack Ukraine.

The Taoiseach pledged “steadfast support” for Ukraine during the EU presidency, saying Ireland would work to ensure Ukraine receives "political, financial and military support".

Mr Martin said Ireland would "step up pressure" on Russia to get it to the negotiating table, and promised further measures to curtail Russian funding for the war.

This will include the negotiation of a 22nd sanctions package against Russia.

“What is at stake is fundamental for European security as a whole, and for the international rules-based order on which we all depend for our security,” Mr Martin said.

Asked if his comments around military assistance to Ukraine mark a fundamental change in Ireland’s policy of only providing non-lethal aid, Mr Martin said he was speaking on behalf of the EU.

Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine recognised how deeply Ireland values its neutrality, but added it “did not remain neutral in convictions during this war”.

“You clearly recognised good and evil, and you’re doing what is necessary to bring peace closer,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president also explained the rationale why the country did not accept armoured vehicles from Ireland, saying that older equipment may require funds for renovations.

It emerged on Wednesday that the Ukrainian government had rejected a donation from Ireland of a fleet of armoured combat vehicles to help the fight against Russia.

Mr Zelenskyy said his soldiers on the frontline prefer for this money to be spent on drone technology.

It comes as Mr Martin said the Government must make a case for increased defence budgets, amid concerns about Ireland’s neutrality and low spending on its military.

Mr Martin said the defence of the EU “is a significant issue, particularly for those on the eastern flank [of the EU] who see an existential threat to their way of life from the threatening behaviour of Russia" and that Ireland had an agreement with the EU under various cooperation schemes.

He said that Irish people do not see defence spending in the same way as those countries which border Russia.

The start of Ireland’s EU presidency was marked with an opening ceremony in Dublin Castle on Wednesday, with representatives from the Government, Oireachtas and the European Parliament in attendance.

The event was hosted by actress and broadcaster Carrie Crowley, with the Dublin Youth Choir and the Defence Forces band performing Amhrán na bhFiann and Ode to Joy.