We are talking about nearly 500 thousand tons of bauxite and alumina that were stockpiled in Ukraine prior to the full-scale invasion. They were stored in the warehouses of the Mykolaiv Alumina Plant, which was previously owned by a Russian national, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The total value of the seized assets exceeds 2.11 billion UAH, as stated in the report.
According to the investigation, this product was a key component for aluminum production at Oleg Deripaska's "Rusal" factories in Russia. The seized bauxite and alumina belonged to him through a controlled commercial entity registered in one of the European Union countries, as explained by the SBU. This company was reportedly the formal purchaser of the Mykolaiv plant's products for subsequent re-export to Deripaska's Russian enterprises.
In early 2023, Ukrainian law enforcement uncovered the deal and blocked the delivery of this raw material, the report noted.
The SBU reminded that Deripaska is part of the inner circle of the illegitimate president of the aggressor state, Russia, Vladimir Putin, and is involved in producing goods for the military-industrial complex of the aggressor country. In particular, his factories manufacture components for Iskander ballistic missiles, combat drones, and radar systems. According to the SBU, all factories belonging to the individual have been nationalized and are located in various regions of Ukraine.