Ukraine urges EU sanctions on Rosatom over allegations of nuclear safety violations

Ukraine has urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Russian nuclear company Rosatom, following revelations of safety and engineering failures at one of the company's major projects. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media platform X, stating that Rosatom is not merely an energy corporation, but an instrument of Russia's ambition to achieve global dominance in nuclear energy.

He described Rosatom as "not a reliable partner" and urged governments to reconsider partnerships with the company, adding that no state should engage in nuclear business with a company implicated in war crimes. The allegations were revealed by POLITICO's investigation, which uncovered warnings from Egyptian authorities and internal assessments from Rosatom regarding the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear plant.

The documents revealed concerns ranging from subpar concrete work to management issues and delays, while an Egyptian agency alleged "deliberate negligence" and violations of "nuclear safety culture." However, Rosatom has previously defended its safety record at El Dabaa, citing regular oversight by Egyptian, Russian and International Atomic Energy Agency officials.

None of the allegations presented to Rosatom by POLITICO have been confirmed within the project's contractual, technical and oversight procedures, according to the company. Sybiha's call for sanctions adds pressure on EU governments that have continued to collaborate with Rosatom despite Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. In Hungary, Rosatom is constructing two new reactors at the Paks II nuclear plant, utilizing the same VVER-1200 technology planned for El Dabaa.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar recently challenged Rosatom's claim that the project remained on schedule, asserting that his government was conducting a thorough review of the project.