United Kingdom Bans Uranium Imports from Russia

The United Kingdom will ban uranium imports from Russia starting this year.

The new sanctions prohibit not only the import of Russian uranium, but also its purchase and supply, whether directly or through intermediaries.

According to the British government, the restrictions also apply to technical, financial, and brokerage services linked to these transactions.

The sanctions cover uranium that originates from Russia, is located in Russia, or has been shipped from Russian territory. The restrictions can apply even if the uranium is physically outside Russia.

However, the UK has introduced several exemptions. Operations necessary for the functioning of nuclear facilities that started operating before May 20, 2026, will still be allowed.

The sanctions also do not apply to uranium that was purchased and exported from Russia before that date.

In autumn 2025, the UK announced plans to completely end imports of Russian uranium by 2028 and replace them with supplies from the United States.

The UK currently has 5.9 GW of nuclear power capacity, which provides around 15% of the country’s electricity generation. Russia previously accounted for about 5% of nuclear fuel imports for British nuclear power plants.

The United Kingdom decided to phase out Russian uranium as part of its effort to reduce energy dependence on Russia.

In 2024, then Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho said:

“We have stood up to Putin on oil, gas, and financial markets – we will not allow him to hold us hostage over nuclear fuel,” Claire Coutinho stated.