Estonia secures removal of Russian state-controlled plant from proposed EU sanctions list
Estonia secured the removal of a Russian state-controlled metals producer and its chief executive from a proposed European Union sanctions list because the company supplies critical raw materials to European industry, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on Oct. 8.
The Solikamsk Magnesium Plant and its CEO, Ruslan Dimukhamedov, were removed at Estonia's request from a list approved by EU ambassadors on Oct. 7, according to diplomats in Brussels and Estonia's permanent representation to the EU.
The Russian plant supplies strategic materials to NPM Silmet, an Estonian company that processes rare-earth and other metals used by manufacturers of electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics and aircraft across the EU.
"Yes, we asked to remove one Russian company and a related individual" from the proposed list, Estonian representation spokesperson Kerstin Leppik confirmed to RFE/RL.
She said NPM Silmet was actively seeking alternative sources for the materials it currently imports from Russia. Estonia plans to reconsider listing the Russian company and its executive next year.
The Solikamsk Magnesium Plant produces rare-earth concentrates and materials including niobium, tantalum, titanium and magnesium. It came under the control of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom in 2023–2024.
EU ambassadors approved the proposed sanctions against 743 individuals and 826 companies linked to Russia's military-industrial complex. The original proposal included one additional company and individual.
The measures still require formal adoption by the Council of the EU before entering into force.
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