Amidst Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military occupation of Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant and attacks on the country’s power infrastructure, European and U.S. reliance on Russian nuclear fuel for their electricity grids persists.
According to shipping data analyzed by CBC’s investigative program, the fifth estate, 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.
While the U.S. prohibited the import of Russian enriched uranium in August 2024 to reduce dependency, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act allows waivers under certain conditions, such as the absence of alternative sources or national interest. These waivers are set to expire by January 1, 2028.
In 2025 alone, the U.S. imported 400 tonnes of low enriched uranium from Russia valued at about $1 billion, with major recipients including subsidiaries of Framatome, Global Nuclear Fuel Americas, and Westinghouse.
The European Union has not imposed a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports, and Canada has not sanctioned business dealings with Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, or its export arm, Tenex.
There are calls to reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel amid the ongoing war, with concerns raised by experts about maintaining ties with Russian suppliers given the geopolitical situation.
Westinghouse receives uranium shipments from Russia, which are processed into fuel pellets at its South Carolina facility for use in commercial nuclear power reactors.
The U.S. and Europe have long relied on Russian enriched uranium, but efforts are underway to bolster domestic production and diversify supply sources to reduce this dependence.
Westinghouse, a prominent player in the U.S. nuclear industry, has been involved in significant agreements and investments in nuclear energy projects, including potential collaborations with Saudi Arabia.
While Canada has imposed sanctions on numerous entities and individuals related to Russia, it has not targeted Rosatom and Tenex specifically.
Support for Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector has been highlighted, with companies like Cameco and Westinghouse signing agreements to supply fuel and support the country’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel.
The industry is facing pressure to shift away from Russian nuclear fuel amidst geopolitical tensions and calls for greater energy independence.