On June 15 (Moscow time), according to TASS, the UK agreed to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine's nuclear power plants with a total value of about 210 million British pounds (equivalent to 280 million USD), according to a statement from the British Prime Minister's Office.
In a statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Office said that this support will help ensure fuel sources for Ukraine's nuclear power plants in the next 2 years.
The United Kingdom will support the operation of Ukraine's nuclear power plants in the next 2 years through a £210 million financial guarantee from UK Export Finance, allowing UK-based Urenco to supply enriched uranium to Energoatom of Ukraine," the statement stated.
According to the British Prime Minister's Office, the agreement was reached during a meeting between Mr. Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London in early June.
The new support is seen as part of efforts to strengthen energy security for Ukraine in the context of prolonged conflict with Russia.
The agreement also marks the expansion of cooperation between the British uranium company Urenco and the Ukrainian nuclear power industry.
According to British officials, this is a step in the contract signed between Urenco and the Ukrainian national nuclear power corporation Energoatom since 2023. The initial contract stipulated that Urenco would supply enriched uranium to Ukraine until 2035.
Nuclear energy currently plays a particularly important role in Ukraine's electricity system. Before the conflict, nuclear power accounted for more than half of the country's total electricity output, helping to maintain the operation of industries and residential life.
In the context of energy infrastructure being repeatedly affected by attacks during the war, ensuring fuel sources for nuclear reactors is considered a key factor for Kiev's energy security.
In addition to its economic significance, the new agreement also reflects the West's efforts to reduce Ukraine's dependence on the nuclear supply chain related to Russia. Previously, many Eastern European countries used nuclear fuel supplied by Russia, but the trend of diversifying supply has increased since the conflict broke out.
London's new move also shows that Britain continues to expand support for Ukraine, not only in the military but also in strategic areas such as energy and essential infrastructure.
