Wedoany.com Report-May 26, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev has stated that the United States continues to purchase enriched uranium from Russia. Speaking to media outlets, including the official Tass news agency, Likhachev remarked: “Despite all bans, the Americans buy it” and noted that economically “it makes sense for them.” He also mentioned the potential to broaden cooperation within the context of ongoing discussions between the two countries.

The Rosatom director general speaking at the Federation Council

Likhachev made the comments following his address to the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly. During the session, he presented Rosatom’s current status and long-term objectives. These include plans to construct 38 nuclear power units—large, medium, and small—by 2042, and to increase the share of nuclear energy in Russia’s power generation to 25% by the mid-2040s.

When asked about the effects of international sanctions, Likhachev acknowledged challenges but emphasized continuity in Rosatom’s operations. “It doesn't make our lives easier,” he said, but affirmed the company’s continued progress, noting that Finland is the only location where development was halted. He added: “We will be present in the European market one way or another, and will cooperate in uranium supplies with the United States of America, unless another decision is made.” He also stated that around 20% of Rosatom’s international revenue originates from countries with less favorable trade relations, while engagement with partner countries continues to grow.

In August 2024, the United States enacted the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, in effect until 2040. Under the legislation, waivers may be issued through 2028 to permit limited imports of low enriched uranium of Russian origin. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 27% of uranium enrichment services purchased by U.S. operators in 2023 came from Russia—the largest foreign share—compared to 28% from domestic sources.

Following the U.S. measure, Russia imposed a reciprocal ban on exporting enriched uranium to the U.S., though exemptions can be granted via one-time licenses by the Russian Federal Service for Technical and Export Control. Since these measures, high-level discussions between the U.S. and Russia have continued, alongside wider diplomatic exchanges.

Separately, JSC Rusburmash, part of Rosatom’s mining division, announced the completion of construction work at the Eastern deposit of the Khokhlovskoye uranium field in the Shumikhinsky District of Kurgan Region, near the Kazakhstan border. Over two years, infrastructure such as the Vostochnaya local sorption unit, underground water intake, utility networks, and process pipelines was built.

Dinis Ezhurov, General Director of JSC Dalur, which operates the site, said: “Currently, the Central and Western deposits are being developed, and production has begun in the Eastern one. Further plans include developing the Far Eastern and Dyuryaginskaya deposits.”

The company is applying digital tools in its operations to enhance resource identification and evaluation. These technologies support geological modeling, mining analysis, and real-time decision-making for optimized development.