Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian forces have seized control of the country’s largest nuclear plant and disrupted its power infrastructure, Western nations like 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 is Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric, which uses this fuel to power commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S., as revealed by shipping data analyzed by CBC’s investigative unit, the fifth estate.
Although the U.S. imposed a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports in August 2024 to reduce dependence and ensure a stable domestic fuel supply, waivers under the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act allow for exceptions if no alternative LEU source is available or if deemed in the national interest. These waivers are set to expire by January 1, 2028.
In 2025, the U.S. imported approximately 400 tonnes of low enriched uranium from Russia, valued at around $1 billion US, with major recipients including Framatome subsidiaries, Global Nuclear Fuel Americas, and Westinghouse.
While the U.S. has taken steps to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel, the European Union has not imposed a ban on such imports, and Canada has not sanctioned business dealings with Russian state-owned entities like Rosatom or Tenex.
Efforts are underway to lessen dependence on Russian nuclear fuel, with the U.S. and Europe seeking to increase domestic production. Despite these initiatives, Russia remains a significant supplier, providing around 44% of global enriched uranium and 20-30% of the enriched uranium consumed in the U.S. and Europe.
Westinghouse Electric, a key player in the U.S. nuclear industry, is owned primarily by Brookfield Renewable Partners and Cameco Corporation. The company’s involvement in importing and processing enriched uranium underscores the complex dynamics of global nuclear fuel supply chains.
As Western nations navigate geopolitical tensions and seek to diversify their energy sources, the issue of reliance on Russian nuclear fuel continues to be a point of concern, with calls for greater autonomy and reduced dependency on external suppliers.
