Estonia has once again called for a full ban on alumina exports from the European Union to Russia, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) has said.
All loopholes that enable Russia’s military industry to obtain the materials it needs must continue to be closed, Tsahkna notes, following a large alumina refinery in the west of Ireland hitting the headlines over its ongoing exports to the Russian Federation – the facility is Russia-owned in any case.
“Alumina is a key input in aluminium production, and aluminium is a strategically important material for Russia’s defense, aviation and military industries. We must do everything possible to reduce Russia’s ability to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine,” Tsahkna said via a press release.
Estonia is to redouble its efforts to ensure more broadly that the cost of aggression and pressure on Russia remain as high as possible.
“Our objective remains unchanged: to make aggression so costly for Moscow that it is forced to stop,” he continued. “Preparations are under way in the EU for the 21st sanctions package, and Estonia supports the swift adoption of an ambitious package.”
Ireland is facing criticism for continuing to allow alumina exports to Russia during the war in Ukraine, with attention focused on Aughinish Alumina, Europe’s largest alumina refinery in County Limerick and owned by Russian aluminum company Rusal. Alumina is the key raw material used to produce aluminum, which has a range of military-industrial applications, including in weapons and ammunition.
Estonia’s Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said this week she planned to raise the issue with the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin. (ERR)