Putin's nuclear power: Germany and Europe in hostage from Rosatom!

Putin's nuclear power: Germany and Europe in hostage from Rosatom!

A new documentary by Arte illuminates the strategic importance of Russian nuclear power and its effects on the geopolitical situation in Europe. In the 90-minute film, the development of the Russian nuclear group Rosatom under Vladimir Putin and its control over almost 50 % of global uranium deposits is analyzed. As reports [Oekonews] (https://www2.oekonews.at/putin-controlled-global- die-halefen-doms+2400+1228226), the dependence of European countries on Russian technology and uranium, especially in states such as Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgergia, is clearly visible and in Russian nuclear power. Fuel rods are dependent.

The cooperation between France and Russia in the field of nuclear power also remains unbroken. According to the analysis, the 57 nuclear power plants in France cover about 75 % of national electricity requirements, of which 10 % are eliminated to Italy. The electricity requirement could be at risk in the future if relationships between the countries are further burdened. Despite geopolitical tensions, especially in the context of the Ukraine War, France and Russia show mutual consideration in energy cooperation.

risks through cooperation

A current report created on behalf of the Federal Government warns of security -relevant risks resulting from the cooperation between the German company Framatome and Rosatom in Lingen. This cooperation could become a problem in view of possible espionage and sabotage. So far, there is no official statement on the plans, with both framatoma and rosatom being silent on inquiries. The MDR reports that the EU has so far not sanctioned the trade in fuel elements, which makes the situation more complicated.

The federal government has not yet made a decision whether the cooperation is approved. This case is symptomatic of a larger pattern: While the West considers nuclear power as an economic project, Russia uses it as a geopolitical instrument.

Rosatom and its global ambitions

The role of Rosatom goes beyond pure energy supply. The group is under the presidential administration in Moscow and is responsible for both civil and military nuclear projects. Ex-employee Kostyantyn Batozsky characterized Rosatom as a "state in the state", which tries to bind other countries to Russia through nuclear business. MDR emphasizes that Russia holds 8 % of worldwide uranium occurrence, while Australia control the largest proportion of 28 %.

Another important undertaking is the subsidiary Uraniumone, which acquires shares in uranium mines worldwide - especially in Kazakhstan, which delivered around 43 % of the globally traded uranium in 2023. Uraniumone has now established itself as the second largest supplier of Rohuran. Experts warn that the transport of uranium, which is often via Russia to Europe, carries a considerable risk, especially if Russia wants to use its influence to pursue geopolitical goals.

This makes it clear that the atomic dependence on Russia is not only a question of energy supply, but also harbors deeper geopolitical implications. This has to be considered while the West tries to maintain the balance in the energy sector and at the same time weigh security risks.