Amid 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 rely on Russian nuclear fuel to operate their electricity systems. Westinghouse Electric, a Canadian-owned company, is one of the recipients of low enriched uranium (LEU) from Russia for fueling commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S., as per shipping data analyzed by CBC’s investigative team.
Although the U.S. imposed a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports in August 2024 to reduce dependency on Russian material and ensure a robust domestic fuel supply, waivers under the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act allow exceptions if no alternative LEU source is available or if it aligns with national interests. These waivers are set to expire by January 1, 2028.
According to a report by the Bellona Environmental Transparency Center in Vilnius, Lithuania, the U.S. imported 400 tonnes of low enriched uranium from Russia in 2025 valued at approximately $1 billion USD. Major recipients included subsidiaries of the French-owned nuclear company Framatome, U.S. nuclear fuel supplier Global Nuclear Fuel Americas, and Westinghouse.
While the European Union lacks a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports, Canada has not sanctioned business dealings with Russia’s state atomic energy corporation Rosatom or its export arm, Tenex. Dmitry Gorchakov, a nuclear adviser at Bellona, emphasized the need for countries to reduce reliance on Russia and cease cooperation amid the ongoing conflict and threats to Ukraine.
Statistics show that Russia supplies around 44% of global enriched uranium, with 20 to 30% utilized in the U.S. and Europe. Efforts are underway to diminish the long-standing dependence on Russian enriched uranium by enhancing domestic production. Westinghouse, a significant player in the U.S. nuclear industry, is exploring opportunities for investment and cooperation, including potential ventures with Saudi Arabia.
Despite being a major uranium miner, Canada’s existing CANDU reactors do not require enriched uranium for fuel. However, proposed new reactors, such as small modular reactors, may necessitate enriched uranium. The federal government announced plans to support enriched nuclear fuel purchases from allied countries. While Canada has imposed sanctions on several entities and individuals, Rosatom and Tenex are not among the sanctioned entities.
It is crucial for Western companies, including Canadian firms, to avoid engaging with Russian state nuclear entities to prevent strengthening enterprises linked to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Both Cameco and Westinghouse have shown support for Ukraine through agreements to supply uranium and build new reactors, aiming to reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel sources.
