In the midst of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military occupation of Ukraine’s largest nuclear facility and assaults on the nation’s power infrastructure, both Europe and the United States continue to rely on Russian nuclear fuel for their electricity generation needs.
Among the recipients of low enriched uranium (LEU) from Russia for commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S. is Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric, as indicated by shipping data analyzed by CBC’s investigative program, the fifth estate.
Although the U.S. prohibited the import of Russian enriched uranium in August 2024 to reduce dependence on Russian resources and ensure a robust domestic fuel supply, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act allows waivers under specific conditions until January 1, 2028.
In 2025, the U.S. imported 400 tonnes of low enriched uranium from Russia valued at approximately $1 billion US, with major recipients including subsidiaries of French-owned nuclear company Framatome, U.S. nuclear fuel supplier Global Nuclear Fuel Americas, and Westinghouse.
While the U.S. has taken steps to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel, the European Union has no ban on the import of Russian enriched uranium. Canadian sanctions against Russian entities do not include Russia’s state atomic energy corporation Rosatom or its export arm Tenex.
Efforts are being made by Western governments and industry to lessen the long-standing dependence on Russian enriched uranium by increasing domestic production. Russia currently supplies a significant portion of global enriched uranium, with the U.S. and Europe relying on Russian sources for 20 to 30 percent of their enriched uranium needs.
Westinghouse Electric, a key player in the U.S. nuclear industry, has been involved in significant agreements and investments in the nuclear sector. The company is exploring opportunities to benefit from civil nuclear cooperation agreements, including those with Saudi Arabia.
As countries like Canada look to expand their nuclear energy infrastructure, the need for enriched uranium for proposed new reactors, including small modular reactors, is anticipated. Measures are being considered to support the development of domestic enrichment facilities to reduce reliance on Russian imports.