The Kremlin said on Wednesday that European Union sanctions on imports of Russian primary aluminium would risk destabilising an already 'fragile' global market.

The US and the UK banned the import of metals produced in Russia in 2024. The EU has so far banned aluminium products, including wire, tube, pipe and foil, which account for less than 15% of EU imports. Russia is the world’s largest aluminium producer outside China, accounting for about 5% of global aluminium production.

The European Commission intends to propose a ban on imports of Russian primary aluminium in its 16th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, European Union diplomats said on Tuesday.

The European Commission plans to propose a gradual ban on Russian aluminium imports in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

The European Commission plans to propose a ban on Russian primary aluminium imports as part of its 16th sanctions package against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The forthcoming package aims to further restrict Russian trade,