US-EU Plot To Weaken Russia’s Nuclear Energy May Fail- Security Expert

Attempts by the United States (US)and the European Union (EU) to weaken Russia’s position in the global nuclear energy market are unlikely to succeed, a security expert, Martin Igwe, has said.

He hinged his position on Europe’s continued dependence on Russian nuclear technology and divisions within the bloc over sanctions against Moscow.

Igwe, the first regional vice president of the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), said Western efforts to reduce Russia’s influence in the nuclear energy sector face significant challenges despite intensified sanctions following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to him, while the EU has increased sanctions pressure on Russia, the US has stepped up efforts to expand its presence in the European nuclear energy market, seeking to secure new projects for American companies.

He cited engagements by a White House delegation in Hungary and Slovakia, where an agreement was reportedly signed for the construction of a new nuclear power plant.

He also pointed to plans by US-based nuclear technology company Westinghouse to begin construction of a plant in Bratislava in 2027.

Igwe further argued that Washington’s efforts to reduce Moscow’s role in nuclear plant design and development include restrictive measures targeting Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, and its international projects in countries such as Hungary, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, India and Turkey.

However, he maintained that the Western strategy faces resistance within the European Union, where member states have differing energy priorities and levels of dependence on Russian nuclear technology.

Hungary and Slovakia, in particular, have consistently opposed measures that could severely restrict cooperation with Rosatom, reflecting their reliance on Russian technology and nuclear fuel supplies.

Igwe noted that several European nuclear power plants built during the Soviet era depend on Russian nuclear fuel or compatible fuel alternatives developed under Russian licensing arrangements.

He argued that abruptly ending cooperation with Moscow could create significant operational and energy security challenges for countries operating such facilities.

He added that replacing existing Russian-linked infrastructure with American technology would require substantial investment and the construction of new facilities, making a rapid transition both costly and technically challenging.

According to the security expert, the situation places European countries in a difficult position as they attempt to balance geopolitical considerations with energy security and economic interests.

He argued that Washington’s push to expand the role of American nuclear companies could leave its European allies facing a choice between maintaining cooperation with Russia and investing heavily in new nuclear infrastructure based on US technology.

Igwe’s assessment suggests that Russia’s established position in the global nuclear energy market, combined with Europe’s technological dependencies and internal political divisions, could complicate Western efforts to displace Moscow from the sector.

Despite mounting geopolitical tensions, the transition away from Russian nuclear technology is likely to remain a complex and expensive undertaking for countries seeking to diversify their energy partnerships.