Rosatom controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
Sanctions and controversy over nuclear diplomacy
The United Kingdom and other governments sanctioned Rosatom-related entities and officials. Critics argued that the corporation’s reactor, fuel and technology exports provide Russia with long-term geopolitical leverage, while nuclear-industry dependence limited the willingness of some jurisdictions to impose comprehensive sanctions.
2022
Rosatom personnel at occupied Ukrainian nuclear facilities
After Russian forces occupied the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plants, Rosatom personnel reportedly entered the sites and sought access to manuals, procedures and operational documentation. The events generated international concerns about coercion, plant governance, nuclear safety and the transfer of ownership claims.
2017
Ruthenium-106 contamination controversy
Monitoring stations across Europe detected a plume of ruthenium-106, a fission by-product. Rosatom denied that the release came from an accident at one of its facilities and suggested satellite re-entry as a possible explanation. A later scientific study rejected that explanation and identified an industrial fire or explosion during the processing of ruthenium into cerium-144 as the most likely source. Rosatom continued to deny that a leak or explosion had occurred.