Stand With Ukraine, in collaboration with the United for Ukraine Network, Eastern Circles, DiXi Group, Urgewald, and Friends of the Earth Europe, co-organized a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the European Parliament in Brussels. The topic was sanctions against the Russian nuclear industry.

The conference brought together experts and policymakers to discuss the impact of sanctions on Russia’s nuclear sector and the implications for European energy security. Speakers included Andrius Kubilius, MEP from the EPP group; Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of the Ukrainian Mission to the European Union; Olena Pavlenko, President of DiXi Group; and Patricia Lorenz, an expert at Friends of the Earth Europe. The discussion was moderated by Anastasiya Shapochkina, President of Eastern Circles.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about the risks posed by the Russian nuclear industry and to advocate for stronger political actions to enhance sanctions in this area. Discussions focused on how Europe can reduce its dependence on Russian nuclear energy and promote safer, more sustainable alternatives.

Experts highlighted the close ties between Rosatom (the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation) and the Russian government, the current state of sanctions in the nuclear energy sector, the relationships between European companies and Rosatom, and the interdependence between Europe and Russia in the nuclear domain. They explored opportunities for new nuclear sanctions and their potential impact on European nuclear security.

This European event was a call to action, underscoring the importance of decisive measures against Russia and key actors supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while promoting a safer, more independent European energy policy.

For those interested in learning more, a replay of the roundtable discussion is available on YouTube: