Zelenskyy calls for sanctions on companies in European countries 'controlled by Russia'

Speaking at the opening ceremony to mark Ireland's presidency of the EU, the Ukrainian president said such companies were 'supplying the aggressor with essential materials' for its ongoing war against Ukraine

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

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said there must be sanctions on “companies in European countries whose only purpose is to work for Russia” and “keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials”.

He made the speech at the opening ceremony of Ireland’s EU presidency as the Government’s probe into Aughinish Alumina’s plant in Limerick continues.

In March, the Irish Times and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project published an investigation examining Aughinish’s alleged role in supporting Russia’s military industry.

It highlighted claims the Limerick alumina refinery exported large quantities of alumina to Russia, where it is smelted and used by manufacturers producing weapons deployed on the Ukrainian frontline.

The Department of Enterprise is investigating the exports, with the Government repeatedly suggesting sanctions cannot be opposed if proposed by Europe.

At Dublin Castle, Mr Zelenskyy thanked Ireland for its ongoing support of Ukraine as Russia’s war continues.

“I urge you to continue this support through new European Union sanctions, and they are needed against Russia's shadow fleet and against many of the tools Putin still relies on to keep this war going,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

“This also includes companies in European countries whose only purpose is to work for Russia. Unfortunately, there are companies in Europe that are owned or effectively controlled by Russia and its sanctioned oligarchs. They keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials, even now.”

Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s entry into the EU “must keep moving forward”.

The Ukrainian flag was raised during the ceremony, with the army band playing the country’s national anthem.

In his opening remarks, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said previous EU presidencies in Ireland “have helped realise significant milestones in our shared European history”, including in 2004 when 10 new member states were added to the bloc.

“We are proud to be part of a European Union in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality are valued, nurtured and never taken for granted,” the Taoiseach said.

“We are proud that Ireland has become a beacon of hope to others for the transformative potential of the European idea.

“We will stand unswervingly by the people of Ukraine, inspired by their courage, and determined to ensure that they get the peace and justice they deserve.”

António Costa, the president of the European Council, said “now more than ever, the European Union needs to defend the values within Europe and globally”.

“[EU principles] must guide our work for peace and security in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon, in the Strait of Hormuz, and across the wider Middle East,” he said.

“Of course, they must also remain at the heart of efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy's presence here today is a powerful reminder that our commitment remains unbreakable.

“Our vision goes beyond the war, because Ukraine's future is in the European Union.”

The opening ceremony for Ireland’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union lasted for over 90 minutes.

Tánaiste Simon Harris, Sean Canney, the leader of the Regional Independents in Government, foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee, and EU affairs minister Thomas Byrne all made speeches throughout the event.

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

Iarla Ó Lionáird, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Laoise Kelly, Francesco Turrisi, Seámus Ong, Cormac Begley, and Cypriot musician Christina Polycarpou all performed together, marking Cyprus handing over the presidency to Ireland.

Oscar-nominated actress Ruth Negga read the Séamus Heaney poem Beacons at Beltaine. The poem was written by the late poet for Ireland’s 2004 presidency, ahead of the accession of 10 member states.

The ceremony was closed by Tolu Makay, who performed The Cranberries' hit Dreams.