Amidst the Russian military’s occupation of Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant and assaults on the country’s power infrastructure, both Europe and the United States continue to rely on Russian nuclear fuel for their electricity needs. Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric is one of the recipients of low enriched uranium (LEU) from Russia for fueling commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S., as revealed by shipping data analyzed by CBC’s investigative unit, the fifth estate.
The U.S. had prohibited the import of Russian enriched uranium in August 2024 to reduce reliance on Russian materials and bolster domestic fuel supplies. However, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act permits waivers if alternative LEU sources are unavailable or if the import serves national interests. These waivers are set to expire by January 1, 2028.
Notably, the U.S. imported 400 tonnes of LEU from Russia in 2025, valued at approximately $1 billion USD, with major recipients including subsidiaries of French-owned Framatome, Global Nuclear Fuel Americas, and Westinghouse. The European Union does not enforce a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports, and Canada has not imposed restrictions on dealings with Russia’s Rosatom or Tenex.
Efforts to reduce dependence on Russian nuclear supplies are underscored by concerns regarding ongoing conflict and threats to Ukraine. The dependence on Russian enriched uranium, a longstanding issue, is being addressed by increasing domestic production in the U.S. and Europe. Westinghouse, a significant player in the U.S. nuclear industry, has been pivotal in this transition.
As the global community navigates this complex energy landscape, the need for diversified nuclear fuel sources becomes increasingly apparent. The push for self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on Russian supplies is a critical step towards ensuring energy security and geopolitical stability.
