The article emphasizes the growing nuclear threat posed by Russia and its state nuclear energy company, Rosatom. Rosatom’s involvement in financing Russia’s war against Ukraine, building nuclear facilities worldwide, and controlling significant portions of the global uranium market raise concerns about global energy security and dependence on Russia. Despite Western sanctions, Rosatom continues to expand its presence in Africa and Asia and strengthen Russia’s weapons arsenal through its military-industrial complex.
The role of Rosatom in bolstering Russia’s weapons arsenal goes beyond nuclear energy, with collaborations between the Russian military and the country’s nuclear industry actively expanding. Rosatom has acquired tech companies to acquire the necessary technologies for Russia’s military sector, including a South Korean battery manufacturer and a Russian producer of titanium and zirconium. Recent U.S. sanctions on Russia’s nuclear industry are a step in the right direction, but there is a need to replace Rosatom’s influence within Western nuclear industries to reduce dependence on Russian technology.
Rosatom’s involvement in constructing nuclear power plants around the world creates economic and geopolitical dependencies on Russia for decades to come. Hungary’s Paks II NPP and Turkey’s nuclear power plant are examples of projects where Russia retains control over fuel and construction, leading to long-term dependencies. Western countries, including the U.S., also rely on Rosatom for uranium supply, allowing the company to evade sanctions and maintain its global presence. Despite concerns over its role in Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia NPP, Rosatom continues to expand its operations globally.
The article highlights the need for stronger sanctions and measures to counter Rosatom’s influence and reduce Western reliance on Russian nuclear technology. With Rosatom’s expansion in Africa and Asia, there is a growing urgency to address the global energy security risks posed by the company. By focusing on replacing Rosatom’s influence in nuclear industries and ensuring that new acquisitions are included in sanctions lists, the U.S. and Europe can mitigate the threat posed by Russia’s nuclear energy giant. Efforts to reduce dependence on Russian technology and strengthen domestic nuclear industries are essential in light of Rosatom’s growing influence.
