Ireland is nearing the end of an investigation into whether alumina produced at one of the country's largest industrial facilities was supplied to Russia for use in its military industry, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 1 July.

Speaking during Zelenskyy's visit to Dublin, Martin said Irish authorities had completed fact-finding and were preparing to submit the case for review, according to ZN.UA.

"I explained to Volodymyr that we are finishing the investigation, and we have obtained all the facts regarding this issue," Martin said.

He added that Ireland "does not want to be in a situation where materials produced in Ireland are sent to support Russia's war machine."

Russian-owned refinery under scrutiny

The investigation concerns Aughinish Alumina, Europe's largest alumina refinery, located in southwest Ireland.

The refinery is not subject to EU sanctions, but it is owned by Rusal, the Russian aluminum producer founded by sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska.

The issue has drawn increased attention as Ireland began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.

Zelenskyy thanked the Irish government for launching the investigation, saying Russia uses alumina in its defense industry.

"We very much hope for a result that will be positive for us," he said. "And we hope it won't take months."

Zelenskyy urges stronger pressure on Russia

In a separate address marking the start of Ireland's EU Council presidency, Zelenskyy called on European countries to increase pressure on Moscow through tougher sanctions and closer defense cooperation.

He argued that Europe should target companies that continue supporting Russia's war effort and accelerate measures that make it harder for Moscow to sustain its invasion, while also deepening cooperation with Ukraine on security and defense technologies.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry has appealed to nearly 40 partner countries to urgently transfer Patriot interceptor missiles from existing stockpiles, warning that faster decisions are critical after Russia launched one of the largest air attacks of the full-scale war on 2 July.

The appeal came after Russia fired nearly 500 attack drones and 77 missiles, including 25 ballistic or hypersonic missiles, during overnight strikes across Ukraine.

According to the ministry, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted more than 90% of cruise missiles and 90% of Shahed-type attack drones, but acknowledged that defending against ballistic missiles remains a major challenge due to shortages of Patriot interceptors.

Patriot shortage remains key vulnerability

The ministry said Ukraine has taken several steps to secure additional Patriot ammunition.

It announced that Kyiv signed a record contract in April for hundreds of PAC-2 missiles with German support, though deliveries are expected only over the coming years. Ukraine has also launched its first procurement of around 100 Patriot missiles through a €1 billion EU-backed loan and has begun receiving interceptor missiles from European partners' existing stockpiles.

The ministry also said that adopting NATO's After Action Review process has more than doubled the effectiveness of Patriot systems against maneuvering Russian Iskander ballistic missiles.

Despite those improvements, officials said Ukraine urgently needs additional interceptors now.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has written to almost 40 partner countries requesting the immediate transfer of Patriot missiles from existing inventories this month, with replacements to be supplied later under contracts already signed by Ukraine.

The ministry also urged partners to expand the PURL and JUMPSTART procurement mechanisms ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, arguing they are the fastest way to deliver additional missiles.

Zelenskyy criticizes delays in promised aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticized delays in delivering previously promised military assistance, saying faster deliveries could have saved lives during Russia's latest strikes.

Speaking at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district, Zelenskyy said Ukraine lacked enough interceptor missiles to counter all 74 missiles launched during the attack.

"We need these missiles," Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine had already paid for some deliveries that have yet to arrive.

He cited an agreement with Norway to finance 200 interceptor missiles, saying that "not a single one" has been delivered so far.

"If partners had delivered what was promised on time, we could have saved people and homes," Zelenskyy said.

The latest appeal comes as Ukraine continues to press allies to accelerate air defense support, arguing that existing Patriot stockpiles in partner countries could immediately strengthen protection for civilians and critical infrastructure against Russia's escalating missile campaign.