As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the uncertainty of domestic politics in Russia itself, Bellona has closed all its offices and projects in the country, including its nuclear project. It has ceased active cooperation and contacts with nuclear industry organizations and other government structures, halted support for international nuclear projects in Russia, and discontinued its engagement with Russian civil society. At the same time, we at Bellona believe that in the face of new geopolitical challenges, the international community nonetheless requires information, research, and analysis regarding the use of nuclear energy in Russia and its impact on other countries.

For more than thirty years, Bellona has implemented nuclear projects, gaining experience and expertise in nuclear safety and the functioning of Russia’s nuclear industry. After its withdrawal, we elected to continue our nuclear project within the framework of the organization’s new structure. It  focuses on informational and analytical work, particularly on Rosatom’s domestic and international activities, Rosatom’s role in the war in Ukraine, and its impact on the global nuclear business and world markets. Nuclear safety remains at the core of our project. Bellona’s nuclear project will have a transboundary focus, with the English-speaking audience as a priority. We devote special attention to the influence of Russia’s nuclear sector on global politics, economy, and energy, as well as its role in the war and the global environmental risks it poses.

This section provides information on the following:

The War in Ukraine

Events at the Zaporizhzhia NPP and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, as well as in the energy sector; developments within Energoatom, governmental, and official circles related to energy; Rosatom’s influence; the participation and role of the IAEA.

Sanctions and their impact on Rosatom

Analysis of imposed sanctions; assessment of sanction proposals; consequences of sanctions.

Events at Rosatom’s international sites

NPP construction; uranium mining; other Rosatom projects (medicine, mineral extraction, education, etc.).

Rosatom in the international nuclear market

Changes and new decisions; key performance indicators; activities of partners and competitors.

Important events in Rosatom’s projects (inside Russia)

Decisions affecting the war; Rosatom and nuclear weapons; statements from top management; significant structural and personnel changes.

Rosatom and the “nuclear legacy”

Arctic initiatives; the Russian Far East; activities at sites under the Federal Target Program for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (FTP NRS).

Political and economic influence of Rosatom on Russia’s leadership and the overall situation in the country, including environmental conditions.