Estonia has proposed an export ban on alumina to Russia as part of negotiations on the 21st EU sanctions package. Foreign Margus Tsahkna said the raw material is essential for aluminum production and supplies a strategically important material to Russia’s defense industry. “Russia’s defense industry depends on aluminum, and aluminum depends on alumina,” Tsahkna wrote on X. “If we really want to raise the price of aggression, we must close this loophole.”
In addition to the alumina embargo, Estonia is pushing for a total ban on maritime services for Russian energy exports. Tsahkna acknowledged that there is no consensus yet among G7 countries on this measure but stressed it must remain a core EU goal. Tallinn also proposes a blanket Schengen Area entry ban for anyone who has served in the Russian military since the 2022 invasion.
With this initiative, Estonia aims to further weaken Russia’s economic power. Aluminum is used in Russian aviation, missile production, and tank manufacturing. The Estonian initiative seeks to disrupt supply chains for these industries. Tsahkna emphasized that energy exports remain the main source of funding for Russia’s military apparatus.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
