Value of Ireland's exports to Russia soars to new heights not seen since 2015, prompting Ukraine censure
The export figures available on the CSO's website only go back to 2015 – but the level of goods being sold to Russia is higher now than at any time since then.
Selling to Russia destabilises not only Ukraine but the entire European continent
Asked about the surge in exports to Russia, the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland said there was no 'moral, political, or economic' justification for continuing to trade with Russia as it wages a 'brutal and illegal war of aggression against our country'.
'Every euro and every product sent to Russia strengthens its capacity to kill, destroy, and destabilise not only Ukraine but the entire European continent,' it said.
'It is indefensible to supply money and goods to a regime that openly defies the rules-based international order.
'Continuing business as usual, particularly in sensitive sectors, undermines the integrity of the sanctions regime and weakens our collective response to Russian aggression.'
The jump in export value was driven by a surge in medicinal and pharmaceutical products, which reached almost €113.5m. Pharmaceuticals and medicines are exempt from sanctions for humanitarian reasons.
Sales of metalliferous ores and metal scrap also surged, to over €183.4m.
Essential oils, perfume materials, and toilet preparation exports also experienced a year-on-year increase, nearly doubling to over €60m.
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