Despite Rosatom’s involvement in Russia’s occupation of Ukraine and its significant role in expanding the Kremlin’s global influence, some Western countries continue to engage in business with the state nuclear corporation. Rosatom has been instrumental in the capture and management of Ukrainian nuclear facilities, including the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which was seized by the Russian military in March 2022. With Rosatom staff actively involved in the plant’s operations under Russian supervision, there have been credible reports of the company playing a complicit role in detention and torture of Ukrainian workers at the ZNPP.
Rosatom’s influence extends beyond Ukraine. It remains a key supplier of nuclear material and technology to countries worldwide, including EU and NATO members. Despite recent US sanctions and European efforts to diversify, Rosatomcontinues to supply 38% of enrichment services to European utilities, while countries like Hungary and Francemaintain contracts with the company.
The ongoing reliance on Rosatom by Western countries raises concerns over both moral dissonance and energy security. Cutting ties with Rosatom is not only necessary to align support for Ukraine with action but is also crucial to curb Moscow’s long-term political influence via the nuclear sector. With Rosatom’s growing presence in key projects such as the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkey and the Hungarian reactors, experts argue that the time has come for Western nations to step up their efforts to replace Russian nuclear technology and fuel with viable alternatives.
