Rosatom's Commitment to Overseas Nuclear Projects Amid UK Sanctions

Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom has affirmed its intention to continue its international nuclear power plant projects despite the imposition of new sanctions by the United Kingdom. These sanctions, which are the largest since Russia's military actions in Ukraine began in 2022, specifically target three of Rosatom's subsidiaries involved in securing contracts for nuclear installations abroad.

The Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportUK sanctions target Rosatom building Kazakhstan’s first NPP

On February 26, 2026, the UK government announced the inclusion of Rosatom Energy Projects, REIN Engineering, and Rusatom Overseas in its sanctions list. This decision was made in response to concerns that these entities were facilitating additional revenue streams for Russia through overseas nuclear projects, thereby compensating for declining oil revenues. The sanctions also extend to two executives from these subsidiaries, namely Andrey Rozhdestvin and Ilya Vergizayev.

UK sanctions target Rosatom building Kazakhstan’s first NPPUsNews and World ReportThe Straits Times

In response to the sanctions, Rosatom has stated that it considers these unilateral restrictions to be illegitimate under international law. The corporation emphasized that safety remains the top priority in the field of peaceful nuclear energy and that such measures undermine this foundation. Notably, Rosatom itself is not directly subject to these sanctions and maintains that its foreign projects will proceed as planned.

The Straits Times

As of 2024, Rosatom holds the largest portfolio of foreign nuclear power projects globally, with 33 large-capacity power units under development. The company is actively constructing nuclear plants in several countries, including Turkey, Egypt, China, Bangladesh, Hungary, and Kazakhstan. Specifically, in Kazakhstan, Rosatom leads an international consortium tasked with building the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant. Preliminary work on this project commenced in the summer of 2025, with construction expected to start in 2029.

The Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportUK sanctions target Rosatom building Kazakhstan’s first NPP

The Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency (KAEA) has indicated that the UK sanctions will not impact the construction process, as there are no contractual relationships with the sanctioned entities. The agency is closely monitoring the sanctions landscape and assessing associated risks.

The Straits Times

Critics of Rosatom's international activities argue that the company's projects contribute to Russia's ability to generate revenue amidst economic sanctions. The UK government has expressed concerns that these nuclear projects could bolster Russia's financial position, further complicating international relations.

The Straits Times

Rosatom's commitment to its overseas nuclear projects, despite the recent UK sanctions, underscores the corporation's significant role in the global nuclear energy market. As it continues to navigate these challenges, the implications for international energy dynamics and geopolitical relations remain to be seen.

The Straits Times

• “Rosatom regards any unilateral restrictions as illegitimate under international law. In the field of peaceful nuclear energy, safety is the overriding priority. Measures of this kind undermine that foundation,” — Rosatom Statement

The Straits Times

• “The Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency (KAEA) said on Thursday that UK sanctions will not affect the construction process because it does not have any contract relations with sanctioned entities or individuals and does not plan to involve them as subcontractors.” — Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency

The Straits Times