Story perspectives

EU’s $1.6 B Russian Uranium Imports Prompt Sanctions; Japan Restarts Reactors

4/25/2026

Left

EU Targets Rosatom

The EU imports over €1.6 billion of uranium from Russia’s Rosatom, sparking calls to remove the supplier from European supply chains.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas warned that without nuclear experts in U.S.–Iran talks region could face a dangerous Iran.
Japan has restarted fifteen nuclear reactors that were shut after the Fukushima disaster.
Activists plan global rallies on 26 April 2026 to demand sanctions on Rosatom over Zaporizhzhia risks.

Right

Trump Demands Ban

U.S. President Donald Trump demanded a permanent ban on Iran’s uranium enrichment and the full dismantlement of its nuclear facilities.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the country will not transfer any enriched uranium under any circumstances.
Experts Andrea Stricker and Jonathan Ruhe said a new deal must ban enrichment, reprocessing, weaponization.
Analysts warned Iran conflict could push Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt toward nuclear hedging programs.

Center

Russia Warns

Russia warned that any European nation hosting French nuclear-capable strategic bombers could become a target of Moscow’s forces.
Over 400 nuclear reactors operate in 31 countries, with about 70 more under construction, indicating a global nuclear revival.
U.S. Undersecretary Thomas DiNanno said nuclear power is essential for AI, industry and energy.
Russia is expanding its nuclear fleet to 34 reactors domestically and building 20 abroad.

History

Historical Context

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in force since March 1970, obliges five recognized nuclear-weapon states—including the United States and Russia—to pursue disarmament while non-weapon states receive peaceful nuclear cooperation under Article IV. By 2016 it had 191 parties, yet the five states retain about 13,400 warheads, a gap that underlies EU fuel-import disputes, U.S. sanctions on Iran and Russian threats.

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EU Targets Rosatom

The EU imports over €1.6 billion of uranium from Russia’s Rosatom, sparking calls to remove the supplier from European supply chains.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas warned that without nuclear experts in U.S.–Iran talks region could face a dangerous Iran.
Japan has restarted fifteen nuclear reactors that were shut after the Fukushima disaster.
Activists plan global rallies on 26 April 2026 to demand sanctions on Rosatom over Zaporizhzhia risks.

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