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Irish Refinery in Talks with Government Over War and Sanctions Risks
Confirmed
In Short: A Russian-owned Irish refinery is facing increased pressure from the Irish government amid concerns over its links to sanctioned entities and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
An Irish refinery owned by Russian aluminum producer Rusal is in private talks with the Irish government over war and sanctions risks, according to reports in the Irish Times. The refinery, located in Foynes, County Limerick, employs several hundred people and has seen its shipments of alumina to Russia rise significantly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The refinery's manager, Ciaran Kelleher, told Irish officials that the plant supplied only around 10% of the alumina used by Rusal in Russia, with most of the aluminum produced there being subsequently exported. However, the Irish government inquiry found no proof that the refinery's output entered Russia's military supply chain, but could not rule out the possibility.
According to reports, the refinery has direct links to Russia's shadow fleet, with three of its tankers, the Kaviz, Charminar, and Riesco, involved in transporting Russian oil. The European Commission is reportedly considering including alumina in its next sanctions package, adding to the pressure on the Irish government.
The Irish government has lobbied Washington to protect the Limerick refinery from being blacklisted, as it is owned by Russian aluminum producer Rusal and employs several hundred people. The refinery is also linked to sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who reduced his stake in Rusal's parent company EN+ below 50% after the United States imposed sanctions on him in 2018.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched a major drone attack on a major Moscow oil refinery, disrupting commercial flights at Moscow airports. The attack, which came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an important coordination call with the presidents of the United States and France, highlights the ongoing conflict and its impact on global energy supplies.
What's confirmed
- An Irish refinery owned by Russian aluminum producer Rusal is in private talks with the Irish government over war and sanctions risks, according to reports in the Irish Times. The refinery, located in Foynes, County Limerick, employs several hundred people and has seen its shipments of alumina to Russia rise significantly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- The refinery's manager, Ciaran Kelleher, told Irish officials that the plant supplied only around 10% of the alumina used by Rusal in Russia, with most of the aluminum produced there being subsequently exported. However, the Irish government inquiry found no proof that the refinery's output entered Russia's military supply chain, but could not rule out the possibility.
- According to reports, the refinery has direct links to Russia's shadow fleet, with three of its tankers, the Kaviz, Charminar, and Riesco, involved in transporting Russian oil. The European Commission is reportedly considering including alumina in its next sanctions package, adding to the pressure on the Irish government.
- The Irish government has lobbied Washington to protect the Limerick refinery from being blacklisted, as it is owned by Russian aluminum producer Rusal and employs several hundred people. The refinery is also linked to sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who reduced his stake in Rusal's parent company EN+ below 50% after the United States imposed sanctions on him in 2018.
- Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched a major drone attack on a major Moscow oil refinery, disrupting commercial flights at Moscow airports. The attack, which came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an important coordination call with the presidents of the United States and France, highlights the ongoing conflict and its impact on global energy supplies.
What's still developing
- The measures are expected to include an embargo on goods and some services involving West Bank settlements marking an escalation in London’s pressure on Israel under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has taken a firmer stance on the conflict, according to reports.
- Ben-Gvir accused Britain of having "violently" taken the disputed islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, the Times of Israel reported.
- The readout did not mention the planned sanctions.
- The new measures, billed widely as sanctions, are expected to be formally unveiled by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who has already pledged a " comprehensive reset " of Britain’s policy toward Israeli settlements in the West Bank.