Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has been ongoing for three years. During this time, the world has witnessed numerous russian war crimes, destruction, and suffering inflicted upon the Ukrainian people. Despite this, the russian state corporation Rosatom remains a notable exception in the sanctions policy against the russian energy sector. Restrictions imposed by Western countries have only affected certain top managers and companies among the more than 360 enterprises and organizations in Rosatom’s extensive structure. Taking advantage of this, the corporation not only continues its operations but also attempts to expand its presence in the international arena, particularly in African and Asian countries.
Dynamics of Rosatom’s International Expansion
According to Rosatom’s public reporting, the corporation’s activity in the international arena shows a disturbing growth trend. Even in 2022, amid the Kremlin’s barbaric escalation of aggression against Ukraine and its allies, 21 agreements and memorandums were concluded, and in 2023, this figure increased to 29.
In 2024, the russian nuclear giant’s activity has hardly slowed down: 24 documents have been signed, creating conditions for closer international cooperation.
Rosatom’s expansion is particularly noticeable from Latin America to Southeast Asia, with a special focus on African countries. Such activity indicates a systematic strategy of expanding influence in regions where Western companies have historically held strong positions. It is especially noteworthy that most of these agreements concern not only nuclear energy but also include memorandums of cooperation in other areas, creating long-term and comprehensive dependence of these countries on Russian technologies and expertise.
Rosatom’s expansion has shifted to regions where support for sanctions against russia remains low. This raises serious concerns, given the corporation’s role in the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and other actions that directly undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Similar to Gazprom in previous years, Rosatom is increasingly becoming visible as an instrument of russia’s aggressive foreign policy.
All this activity takes place against the background of successful implementation of large-scale nuclear power unit construction projects: Rosatom continues to hold first place in the world in the number of NPP construction projects abroad – 33 power units.
At the same time, Rosatom continues to maintain critically important positions in traditional markets through historically formed technological dependencies. The most significant remains the dependence of nuclear power plants with VVER-type reactors in EU countries on russian nuclear fuel. Although all countries operating such reactors have already announced contracts with other suppliers, the process of complete transition takes time.
A similar situation has developed with the supply of enriched uranium to the US and EU – the russian share in this market is about 30% (according to 2023 data). Despite declared plans to diversify supplies and the already introduced ban on imports of russian enriched uranium (in the US), these dependencies still persist. This situation complicates the introduction of comprehensive sanctions against Rosatom and requires a balanced approach to ensure the energy security of countries that still use russian nuclear technologies.
Of particular concern is the project of France’s Framatome to produce nuclear fuel at its plant in Lingen (Germany) under license from russian TVEL (a Rosatom subsidiary). In January 2023, they created a joint venture, European Hexagonal Fuel SAS, which applied for a permit for such activities from the government of Lower Saxony. The initiative received over 11,000 objections from the public, including from DiXi Group. In November 2024, public hearings were held regarding the project, where the main concerns were voiced.
In particular, although this project is positioned as a step toward Europe’s energy independence, it actually creates a new form of technological dependence on Rosatom. The russian side will have control over critical elements of production – from equipment supplies to personnel training, which contradicts the very goal of diversification and reducing dependence on russian nuclear technologies.
Why Must Rosatom’s Expansion Be Stopped?
Rosatom is not just a commercial organization. It is an instrument of russia’s geopolitical influence, used to promote the Kremlin’s interests abroad. Expanding its presence in Africa and Asia allows russians to strengthen their positions in these regions, gain access to strategically important resources, and increase their political influence.
Additionally, Rosatom participates in implementing strategically important projects for russia, particularly in the military-industrial complex. The corporation is also one of the largest taxpayers to the russian budget, which finances the war against Ukraine. The lack of response from the international community to such expansion contributes to strengthening the russian economy and military machine. It also undermines international efforts aimed at isolating russia and forcing it toward peaceful settlement.
What Needs to Be Done?
We call on the international community to take decisive actions aimed at stopping the Kremlin’s expansion in the nuclear energy sector. In particular, it is necessary to:
- Prohibit any new cooperation with Rosatom and companies within its structure, including new projects, scientific research, and technology exchange. And for existing contracts – provide for gradual curtailment and termination of cooperation.
- Following the US example, ban the import of nuclear fuel and enriched uranium from russia, establishing a delay in entry into force (within a horizon of up to 5 years) to allow for diversification of supply chains.
- In parallel, ensure investments in the development of uranium conversion and enrichment capacities, nuclear fuel manufacturing, and spent nuclear fuel storage.
- Terminate cooperation with the russian side on all research and scientific platforms where Rosatom and/or russian research institutions participate.
- Implement mechanisms to monitor Rosatom’s activities in countries where it is already present, in order to prevent violations of international law and human rights.
These measures should be systematic and irreversible, serving as a clear signal to russia: the civilized world will not tolerate aggression and the use of nuclear technologies to achieve political goals. Stopping Rosatom’s expansion is a necessary step to ensure peace and security in Ukraine and throughout the world.
Even in the event of cessation of active hostilities and further development of the peace process, sanctions should continue to be in effect. This is necessary to deter the aggressor from wanting to restore forces, accumulate financial and other resources through conducting business abroad, and attack Ukraine again.
This material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation within the framework of the project “Better Energy Security for Tomorrow.” The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.ображає позицію авторів і не обов’язково відображає позицію Міжнародного фонду «Відродження».
Source: Dixi Group
