Russia says its nuclear contracts could be affected by sanctions

MOSCOW - Reuters

Russia also provides expertise to Turkish engineers for running the Akkuyu nuclear plan, set to be completed in 2023. AA photo

Russia's nuclear industry contracts with other countries could be affected by Western sanctions, the head of state nuclear corporation Rosatom was quoted as saying on March 27.

Rosatom is building nuclear power plants in several countries, including Turkey's first nuclear plant in Mersin Akkuyu, whose construction is planned to start next year.

After hitting Russian officials and lawmakers with visa bans and asset freezes over Moscow's annexation of Crimea, the United States and European Union are threatening measures affecting entire economic sectors if Russia continues to act aggressively.

"Considering an array of comments about possible restrictions on economic cooperation, we understand that some of our (international) contracts could fall under political curbs," state-run RIA quoted Rosatom head Sergei Kiriyenko as saying.

However, Kiriyenko said that no contracts had been affected so far and all deals, including for supplies of nuclear fuel to Ukraine for plants there, were being implemented on schedule.


Britain said this week that was reviewing a November agreement with Rosatom that opened the doors to Russia to potentially build nuclear power plants there.