It will be “impossible” for the Taoiseach to avoid discussion of the future of Aughinish Alumina during his visit to Ukraine, a reporter travelling with him has said. 

The Taoiseach is currently in the Ukrainian capital for talks with President Zelenskyy, as well as charities and civilians impacted by Russia’s invasion of the eastern European country. 

However, the future of Aughinish Alumina in County Limerick is likely to mean an awkward conversation between the two leaders, as the factory supplies alumina to companies in Russia.  

Some 1,900 people are employed at the factory and Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan said President Zelenskyy is “definitely very well aware” that the European Commission is drawing up a report on alumina exports to Russia. 

“I think it'll be impossible for [An Taoiseach] to avoid it being addressed,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“When he visited Dublin just three weeks ago, [President Zelenskyy] said that he hoped that this report wouldn't take too long. 

“We've since learned that that report is going to be handed over to the European Commission and it won't be published publicly first. 

“It's been reported that Zelenskyy was speaking with leaders within the EU about how he wants the EU to sanction the sale of alumina to Russia.” 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives at Shannon Airport in 2024. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

The two leaders will also discuss Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, which requires the country to undertake a number of domestic reforms.

Ireland has provided more than €500 million in financial support to Kyiv since the conflict began four years ago and Mr Martin might well open up the nation’s chequebook once again. 

“What would be really interesting now to see from the course of this trip is how he's going to back up that support, whether or not there's going to be perhaps further monetary investment in Ireland's support for Ukraine,” Ms Keegan said. 

“He's also meeting with the new Prime Minister - who was only appointed to the role last week - and he'll visit the Ukrainian parliament and meet with its speaker to exchange views on Ukraine's EU accession negotiations.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attending a press conference at the European Summit. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Mr Martin will also meet with civilians and charities working in areas of the capital which have been impacted by Russian attacks.

“These charities and organisations receive Irish funding,” Ms Keegan said.

“So, he'll be getting a bit of an update from the people on the ground here of how that's progressing. 

“Over the weekend, Kyiv experienced one of the worst attacks that it's seen since the beginning of the war over four years ago. 

“I was speaking to somebody here from the embassy who said there were 40 missiles in 40 minutes - so, it was quite an intense attack.”

Despite the continued attacks on their capital, Ms Keegan said the bravery and resilience of the people of Ukraine is evident everywhere she goes. 

“You can see that people really are persevering,” she said. 

“Pulling into the train station and everybody's getting off and heading into the office and the sun is shining.

“If you didn't know any better, it seems as if almost nothing's happening here. 

“Of course, we'll see a different side of Kyiv when we get out to those sites later today. 

“But it's clear to see that the people are strong and really are trying to continue on with life as much as they can as normal.”

Main image: A split of Micheál Martin with President Zelenskky and Aughinish Alumina. Pictures by: Alamy.com.