In the midst of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military engagement at Ukraine’s major nuclear facility and assaults on the nation’s power infrastructure, Europe and the United States continue to rely on Russian nuclear fuel for their electricity needs.
One of the recipients of low enriched uranium (LEU) from Russia for commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S. is Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric, as per shipping data scrutinized by CBC’s investigative unit, the fifth estate.
The U.S. took a step in August 2024 to ban the import of Russian enriched uranium to reduce dependence and ensure a robust domestic fuel supply. However, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act permits waivers if there are no alternative LEU sources available or if it serves national interest, with these waivers set to expire by January 1, 2028.
The U.S. received 400 tonnes of low enriched uranium from Russia in 2025, valued at approximately $1 billion US, with major recipients including subsidiaries of Framatome and Global Nuclear Fuel Americas along with Westinghouse.
Despite the situation, the European Union has not imposed a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports, and Canada has not sanctioned transactions with Russia’s Rosatom or Tenex.
Efforts are being made to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel, with the U.S. and Europe historically depending on Russian enriched uranium. Russia supplies around 44% of global enriched uranium and a significant portion used in the U.S. and Europe. Plans are underway to boost domestic production to reduce this dependence.
Westinghouse Electric, a key player in the U.S. nuclear industry, aims to enhance its presence with significant investments and collaborations. Proposed new reactors in Canada, including small modular reactors, may necessitate enriched uranium. The government is considering supporting enriched nuclear fuel purchase contracts from allied countries to address this need.
While Canada has imposed sanctions on certain entities and individuals related to Russia, it has not sanctioned Rosatom or Tenex. The European Union has implemented sanctions against Russia but has not prohibited the import of Russian enriched uranium.
Supporting Ukraine, Cameco signed a long-term agreement with Energoatom in 2023. Westinghouse has also engaged with Energoatom to supply fuel and construct new reactors, replacing Russia as Ukraine’s nuclear fuel supplier. Former senior executives from Westinghouse and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission have taken roles on Energoatom’s supervisory board following corruption allegations.
