Dublin is investigating "discrepancies" involving Russia-bound exports by Aughinish Alumina, an Ireland-based refinery owned by the Russian metals giant Rusal.

The material, used to produce aluminium, is not currently subject to European Union sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

"Europe must close all loopholes, tighten sanctions enforcement and ensure our commitments are backed by deeds," EU foreign affairs commissioner Kaja Kallas said at a press conference with Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee.

"No European products should end up in drones and missiles that kill Ukrainian civilians," Kallas said.

McEntee said she had "made it very clear that our support remains firmly with Ukraine".

"Once the investigation that is underway concludes, that information will be provided to the Commission, and we will work directly with them," she added.

The plant under investigation is widely described as Europe's largest alumina refinery, with annual capacity of around two million tonnes.

A report published in March by The Irish Times and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project traced alumina exports through Russian supply chains linked to manufacturers supplying the country's military industry.

According to data from Ireland's CSO statistics body, more than 80 percent of Irish alumina exports were shipped to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, a figure that has been disputed by the Irish trade minister.

Aughinish Alumina has said it complies with all EU sanctions and trade rules.

The scrutiny on Ireland's trade links with Russia comes as Dublin is poised to take on the rotating EU presidency for a six-month period from July.