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Russia controls around 40% of the global uranium isotope separation market. Its advanced ninth- and tenth-generation centrifuges give Rosatom measurable advantages in operating costs and energy efficiency. As a result, Western suppliers cannot rapidly replace Russian enrichment capacity on short notice.
Answer · From the editor · 14/09/2026
The United States historically sourced 20 to 25% of its enrichment services from Rosatom. Although Washington passed legislation banning Russian low-enriched uranium imports, it granted waivers stretching to 2028. These waivers were necessary because rebuilding domestic centrifuge cascades requires extensive capital and engineering lead time.
Answer · From the editor · 14/09/2026
The W-ECP facility at the Electrochemical Plant in Zelenogorsk processes depleted uranium hexafluoride by-products. The site doubled its processing capacity to convert enrichment tails into chemically stable uranium oxide for safe storage and industrial feedstocks. This converted material is also utilized as secondary fuel for fast-neutron reactors.
Answer · From the editor · 14/09/2026
Russia uses depleted uranium in fast-neutron reactors, such as the operational BN-800 and the BREST-OD-300 under construction in Seversk, to breed plutonium-239. This setup enables spent nuclear fuel to be reprocessed and recycled repeatedly. The closed cycle reduces the need for freshly mined natural uranium by dozens of times.
Answer · From the editor · 14/09/2026
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Written by Vlad Lario
Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.
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Written by Vlad Lario
Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.
About the author