From January to April 2026, European Union countries dramatically increased their imports of Russian enriched uranium, Eurostat data shows. The value of these purchases reached €163.5 million in the first four months of this year—a 7.9-fold increase compared to the same period in 2025.
In April alone, EU nations imported Russian enriched uranium worth €89.8 million, a 50% rise from March and the highest level since November 2025. France became the largest buyer of Russian enriched uranium among EU countries this year, purchasing goods valued at €141.2 million. Germany followed with €13.8 million, while the Netherlands imported nearly €8.6 million.
Eurostat noted that Russia continues to be a significant supplier of strategic raw materials for European industry, including critical minerals and nuclear fuel cycle products.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026) on June 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his nation’s leadership in nuclear energy and emphasized technological advancement as a key driver of global economic change. He also referenced discussions with Iranian officials and potential partnerships.
Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom, stated on May 9 that Russia would continue developing existing nuclear projects and propose new ones in European countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. Work on the Hungarian Paks-2 nuclear power plant is progressing, and he expressed hope for accelerated timelines with the new Hungarian government.
International analysts have condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s recent engagement with Russian business leaders, labeling it a direct threat to diplomatic stability and an exacerbation of regional tensions.
