European Union sanctions against Russia aim to undermine its military capabilities, but one export may be slipping through: alumina, a raw material essential for weapons production. According to the Global Rights Compliance Foundation, an Irish company continues supplying alumina to Russia despite the sanctions regime. Wayne Jordash, the foundation's president, argues this reveals a fundamental contradiction—while Europe restricts many strategic materials, alumina exports remain permitted, potentially strengthening Russia's weapons industry. Jordash contends the policy gap undermines Europe's stated goal of constraining Russian military production.

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