Full Breakdown
Swiss Nuclear Fuel Supply Still Linked to Russia, Greenpeace Warns
5/28/2026, 1:00:29 PM
Core Event: Russian Link in Swiss Nuclear Fuel
Four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland’s two nuclear reactors—Beznau and Leibstadt—remain supplied with uranium that passes through Russian-controlled channels. Axpo, the plant operator, sourced all fuel for Beznau and half for Leibstadt from Russia.
Context: Ukraine War and Uranium Transit
The war has left many countries re-examining energy ties to Russia. Most Kazakh uranium is shipped via St Peterburg, loaded onto Russian vessels and delivered to European ports. A trans-Caspian corridor exists but faces logistical and geopolitical hurdles.
Supply Chain Data
In February 2025 Axpo signed procurement contracts with Canadian and Kazakh producers, with processing in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. The company reports that, since spring 2026, no active contracts involve Russian uranium and that no financial flows reach Russia. Switzerland’s overseas stock of natural uranium exceeded one million kilograms in 2020.
Official Statements by Axpo and Seco
Axpo told the Keystone-SDA agency that reserves eliminated Russian dependence for both reactors as of 2022 and that diversification now secures supply. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) confirmed that the EU has not imposed uranium sanctions, that transit of Kazakh uranium through Russia is not sanctioned, and that Swiss law prevents unilateral sanctions. The Federal Council would review any EU ban on Russian uranium.
Greenpeace’s Opposition
Greenpeace argues that the continued nuclear fuel link “drives us into the clutches of Russia instead of freeing us from them.” The NGO says only a transition to renewable energies can secure full Swiss energy sovereignty and eliminate geopolitical risk.
Conflicts & Gaps
Axpo maintains that its reactors have been free of Russian fuel since 2022, yet Greenpeace notes that Russian-controlled transit routes keep the supply chain effectively dependent on Russia. No EU or Swiss sanctions target uranium imports, and the mixed-enrichment process leaves uranium traceability unaddressed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “drives us into the clutches of Russia instead of freeing us from them” — Florian Kasser, nuclear expert, Greenpeace Switzerland
- “Only a transition to renewable energies will allow us to become fully independent and sovereign in the energy sector, concludes Florian Kasser, nuclear expert at Greenpeace Switzerland.” — Florian Kasser, Greenpeace Switzerland
- “According to Axpo, there are no direct or indirect financial flows to Russia or to Russian parties from the contracts with Kazatomprom.” — Axpo spokesperson
- “The transit of uranium from other countries (such as Kazakhstan) through Russian territory is also not subject to any sanctions.” — State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco)
Outlook: EU Sanctions and Energy Policy
If the EU bans Russian uranium imports, the Swiss Federal Council says it will examine the measure. Greenpeace calls for accelerated renewable investment, while Axpo stresses that its diversified contracts provide a safeguard against future supply disruptions.
