The Group of Seven (G7) has made a joint commitment to reduce dependency on Russian nuclear fuel supplies in order to create a diversified fuel supply chain free from Russian influence. Despite efforts to lessen reliance on Russian energy supplies, Russia remains a major supplier of enriched uranium to the global market. Rosatom, Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, provided a significant portion of enriched uranium supplies purchased by the EU and the U.S. in 2022. The G7 members agreed to assist countries in diversifying their fuel supply and condemned Russia’s occupation and militarization of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which poses severe risks for nuclear safety and security.
The U.S. Senate recently passed legislation banning Russian imports of enriched uranium, further highlighting the efforts to reduce dependency on Russian nuclear fuel supplies. The ongoing occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Russian forces has led to disconnections from the Ukrainian power grid and attacks on nearby settlements. The plant, which is the largest in Europe, has become a target for Russian aggression, leading to concerns about nuclear safety and security in the region. The G7 statement emphasized the need for countries operating Russian-designed reactors to secure alternative nuclear fuel contracts and reduce dependencies on spare parts and services.
As the nuclear threat posed by Russia continues to grow, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, there is a pressing need to address the issue of energy dependencies and security. Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy company, has been implicated in financing Russia’s war against Ukraine and fostering global energy dependencies that may pose risks to international security. The G7’s commitment to reducing dependency on Russian nuclear fuel supplies is a significant step towards enhancing nuclear safety and security in the face of Russian aggression and occupation.
The G7 members also expressed their support for countries seeking to diversify their fuel supply and reduce dependencies on Russian nuclear fuel. By working together to create a diversified fuel supply chain free from Russian influence, the G7 aims to strengthen global nuclear safety and security. The joint commitment to assist countries operating Russian-designed reactors in securing alternative nuclear fuel contracts and reducing dependencies on spare parts and services demonstrates a united front against Russian aggression and occupation in Ukraine. The G7’s efforts to address the nuclear threat posed by Russia highlight the importance of collective action in safeguarding international nuclear safety and security.
