USA purchases 20% of the enriched uranium produced by Rosatom. As a result, the Russian business has been able to progress technologically and expand while avoiding sanctions.
In order to thwart Russian aggression in Ukraine, US Democratic congressman Lloyd Doggett called on the international community and the US administration to step up pressure and impose sanctions against all of Rosatom's assets as soon as feasible.
This is mentioned in his Foreign Policy column, where the congressman calls attention to the Russian nuclear giant's unchecked network expansion, which is a major factor in the financing and persistence of the conflict against Ukraine.
"If Russia's nuclear industry is allowed to continue operating without penalty, this will not only jeopardize US foreign policy objectives but also put US efforts supporting Ukraine's freedom struggle in jeopardy. Congressman Doggett stated, "US President Joe Biden and Congress could do much more to eliminate dependence on Russia for nuclear fuel."
The Congressman cites data from the Ukrainian think tank DiXi Group in his op-ed. DiXi Group gathered information about Rosatom's new assets, which include shipping companies, industrial equipment, producers of titanium and zirconium, and high-tech companies that develop software and equipment for certified information protection.
He points out that Russia can evade international sanctions and increase its influence globally thanks to Rosatom's entry into these areas. For instance, obtaining the sizable shipping firm Fesco improved Rosatom's hold on important assets.
Beyond the nuclear sector, which has developed into an unapproved avenue for the lawful procurement of high-tech goods, particularly those needed to bolster the Russian military apparatus, Rosatom and its affiliates are expanding their business ventures. Basic supplies for the Russian army include lithium-ion batteries for tanks, air defense systems, and 3D printing technologies, as well as aluminum oxide for use as rocket fuel.
It is more simpler to get the technology required to bolster dominance in the global market under the cover of Rosatom's sanction-free structures in the Russian Federation.
Congressman Doggett points out that Renera, a subsidiary of Rosatom, bought machinery to assemble premium lithium-ion batteries utilizing cells and modules in contravention of South Korea's export ban.
Following hearings in the US Congress on March that included participation from officials of the Ukrainian government, he called for penalties against Rosatom and a reduction in the world's reliance on the Russian Federation in the sector of nuclear energy.
According to Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, the Russian company had a direct hand in organizing, setting up, and funding Russia's armed assault against Ukraine.
Rosatom supplies nuclear fuel to US nuclear power plant operators for around $1 billion a year, which accounts for 20% of the country's enriched uranium needs. Additionally, many EU nations depend on Russian nuclear energy.
Because of this reliance, Rosatom's main business has been able to operate outside of sanctions and is still growing; in 2023, approximately 20 new memorandums of cooperation and agreements were inked, most of them with Asian and African nations who are looking to purchase affordable nuclear technologies. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, all NPP construction projects have advanced. Russian geopolitical power is preserved through these connections, which support its strategic objectives.
The strategic moves of Rosatom pose a significant threat, even as Western nations concentrate on diplomacy and targeted economic sanctions. The US Congressman claims that in order to thwart Russia's objectives, intricate measures must be taken, such as automatic sanctions against all Rosatom assets bought after February 24, 2022, and restrictions on Russia's access to current technology for any research institutes affiliated with Rosatom.
"Since transatlantic cooperation can create opportunities to reduce dependence on Russia, sanctions will only be effective when the United States and the G-7+ demonstrate unity, strength, and resilience," Doggett said.
