UK bans uranium imports from Russia with several exceptions

MOSCOW. May 19 (Interfax) - The United Kingdom has imposed a ban on uranium imports from Russia effective May 20, 2026, the UK government said.

The UK sanctions prohibit both the imports, acquisition, and supply of uranium from Russia, directly or indirectly, as well as the provision of related technical, financial and brokerage services. The restrictions apply to uranium shipped to, located in, or originating in Russia. The ban may apply even if the uranium is located outside of Russia, the statement said.

However, the UK sanctions provide for several exceptions. In particular, all of the above steps are permitted if they are needed for the continued operation of a nuclear facility that began operation before May 20, 2026. Restrictions also do not apply to uranium purchased and exported from Russia before May 20, 2026.

In the fall of 2025, the UK announced plans to accelerate the phase-out of uranium imports from Russia by 2028, replacing them with supplies from the United States. According to the World Nuclear Association, the UK's nuclear generation capacity stands at 5.9 GW, accounting for approximately 15% of the country's total electricity production.

Russian fuel accounts for 5% of UK nuclear fuel imports, the Izvestia newspaper reported in the fall of 2025, citing the Russian embassy in London.

The UK had earlier only imposed personal sanctions on Rosatom entities and senior managers.