In the midst of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces controlling Ukraine’s largest nuclear facility and targeting the nation’s power infrastructure, European and American reliance on Russian nuclear fuel for their electricity generation persists.

Data analyzed by CBC’s investigative program, the fifth estate, reveals that Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric is one of the recipients of low enriched uranium (LEU) from Russia for fueling commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S.

The U.S. prohibited the import of Russian enriched uranium in August 2024 to reduce dependency on Russian resources and ensure a robust domestic fuel supply, as stated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). However, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act allows waivers for the ban under specific conditions until January 1, 2028.

According to a report by the Bellona Environmental Transparency Center, the U.S. imported 400 tonnes of low enriched uranium from Russia in 2025, valued at approximately $1 billion. Major recipients included subsidiaries of French-owned Framatome, U.S.-based Global Nuclear Fuel Americas, and Westinghouse.

Despite the situation in Ukraine, the European Union has not imposed a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports, and Canada has not sanctioned business dealings with Russia’s state atomic energy corporation Rosatom or its export arm, Tenex.

Efforts are being made to reduce dependence on Russian uranium, with calls for canceling cooperation with Russia. Westinghouse’s transactions with Tenex have been scrutinized, showing uranium shipments to Westinghouse’s facility in South Carolina for processing into fuel pellets for nuclear reactors.

The U.S. and Europe have long relied on Russian enriched uranium, with steps being taken to bolster domestic production and diversify sources. Westinghouse, a significant player in the U.S. nuclear sector, has been involved in agreements to supply fuel and support Ukraine in transitioning away from Russian nuclear fuel sources.