Amid the occupation of Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant by Russian forces and the ongoing attacks on the country’s power infrastructure, Europe and the United States are still reliant on Russian nuclear fuel for their electricity grids.

One of the recipients of low enriched uranium (LEU) from Russia is the Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric, which uses this fuel in commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S., as per shipping data analyzed by CBC’s investigative series, the fifth estate.

While the U.S. implemented a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports in August 2024 to reduce dependency on Russian materials and ensure a robust domestic fuel supply, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act allows waivers under specific conditions until January 1, 2028.

According to a report by the Bellona Environmental Transparency Center, the U.S. imported 400 tonnes of low enriched uranium from Russia in 2025 alone, valued at around $1 billion US, with major recipients including companies like Framatome, Global Nuclear Fuel Americas, and Westinghouse.

Despite the ban by the U.S., the European Union has no restrictions on importing Russian enriched uranium, and Canada has not sanctioned business dealings with Rosatom or Tenex, the state atomiс energy corporation’s export arm.

Experts advocate reducing dependence on Russian nuclear supplies, emphasizing the need for countries to sever cooperation with Russia, especially during times of conflict like the current situation in Ukraine.

Westinghouse receives shipments of enriched uranium from Russia, processes it into fuel pellets at its South Carolina facility, and supplies fuel rod assemblies to commercial nuclear power reactors in the U.S.

The U.S. and Europe have long relied on Russian enriched uranium, constituting a significant portion of their nuclear fuel supply. Efforts are underway to enhance domestic production to reduce this dependence gradually.

Westinghouse, a key player in the U.S. nuclear sector, has plans for substantial investments in nuclear reactors to enhance energy security. The company could also benefit from recent civil nuclear cooperation agreements, including with Saudi Arabia.

While Canada’s existing CANDU reactors do not require enriched uranium, proposed new reactors, such as small modular reactors, would necessitate this fuel. Canada aims to support domestic production through strategic investments in nuclear fuel contracts.

Despite imposing sanctions on numerous entities and individuals, Canada has not targeted Rosatom and Tenex. The European Union has implemented sanctions against Russia but has not prohibited the importation of Russian enriched uranium.

Experts warn against engaging with Russian state nuclear entities, as it could inadvertently support Moscow’s aggressive actions. Companies like Cameco and Westinghouse have made efforts to support Ukraine by entering into agreements for fuel supply and reactor construction.