UK to End Russian Uranium Purchases by 2028, Shift to American Supply
The United Kingdom will completely cease purchasing Russian uranium by 2028, accelerating a previous timeline and pivoting towards supplies from the United States and other nations, according to a statement from the Russian Embassy in London. This shift, prompted by a recent technological agreement with the US, underscores the escalating economic pressures stemming from the ongoing geopolitical landscape.
Previously, London had aimed to eliminate its reliance on Russian uranium by 2030. However, a recent “technological prosperity deal” with the United States has expedited the schedule to 2028, a senior official stated. The move reflects a broader effort to diminish Russia’s economic influence and bolster energy security.
The Russian Embassy believes the transition will be facilitated by the United States’ existing experience in supplying fuel to Ukraine as an alternative to Russian sources. Interestingly, the shift won’t necessarily involve direct US shipments; London intends to procure fuel of Russian origin currently owned by the French energy company EDF, according to diplomatic sources. Canada, France, and Japan are also expected to play a role in assisting Britain’s transition away from Russian uranium.
Beyond simply ending purchases, the UK also intends to challenge Russia’s position in the global uranium market. A new facility operated by Urenco, specializing in the production of highly enriched uranium, is slated to become operational in Cheshire, northeast England, by 2031. The project, backed by a $250 million investment, is projected to have an annual capacity of 10 tons.
The move comes despite ongoing US reliance on Russian uranium. In early October, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the United States continues to purchase uranium from Russia, with Moscow remaining the second-largest supplier and earning approximately $800 million in the first half of 2025 alone – mirroring the revenue from the entirety of 2024. Russia currently provides around 20% of all uranium deliveries to Washington.
Calls to curtail US purchases of Russian uranium have grown in recent years. While former President Joe Biden imposed a ban on the import of “non-irradiated, low-enriched” uranium from Russia last year, supplies of enriched fuel have continued. Chris Wright, the head of the US Department of Energy, has emphasized the challenges of a complete cutoff, citing insufficient domestic capacity to meet US nuclear fuel demands.
The evolving situation highlights the complex interplay between energy security, geopolitical strategy, and economic dependencies in a world grappling with shifting alliances and escalating sanctions.
