Speaking at the informal “Gymnich” meeting in Ireland, Sybiha stressed that these raw materials are crucial for Russia’s military-industrial complex, especially for aerospace, missile production, and tank manufacturing. “Depriving Russia of alumina would directly reduce its ability to produce weapons,” the Foreign Ministry said in response to a query from Ukrainska Pravda.
Ukraine also proposed targeted sanctions against Russian ballistic missile production, restrictions on several Russian companies and individuals, and measures against the satellite system “Rassvet.” Sybiha additionally called for sanctions on Russia’s Rosatom and Roscosmos, as well as strict travel restrictions for Russian citizens to counter Russian sabotage acts in Europe.
The issue is delicate for Ireland, which currently holds the EU presidency. Irish plant Aughinish, owned by Russia’s Rusal, is at the center of a scandal: according to an Irish Times investigation, the facility shipped around 422,474 tons of alumina worth €119.5 million to Russia in the first half of 2026. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin had already said in July that he wanted to stop these exports.
Source: www.pravda.com.ua
