New Delhi : The US is preparing to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that purchase oil and gas from Russia. Major energy buyers of Russian fuel, such as India and China, would fall within the scope of this measure. However, interestingly, while displaying such strictness against Russia, the US is keeping the door open to purchase specific types of uranium from Russia for its own nuclear needs. This raises the question: why is the US engaging in such hypocrisy by being tough on Russian oil while showing leniency regarding uranium?

In a recently passed bill, the US has kept a crucial avenue open regarding its nuclear fuel interests involving Russia. A provision has been included in the comprehensive sanctions legislation against Russia, exempting civil nuclear cooperation and the import of certain types of uranium from the ban. In other words, while the US threatens countries buying Russian oil and gas with heavy tariffs, it has simultaneously kept the door ajar for specific nuclear fuel-related transactions with Russia.

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives approved the ‘Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026’. Under this law, President Donald Trump would be empowered to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries purchasing crude oil or natural gas from Russia.

This bill is part of a broader package of sanctions against Russia and Iran, aimed at increasing pressure on economic activities linked to Russia. Yet, within this comprehensive sanctions package, a significant exception has been made for the nuclear sector.

The law directs the US President to implement existing restrictions on uranium imports from Russia. It specifically mentions uranium sourced from Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries. However, another section of the same law exempts certain activities from these restrictions. This means that not every nuclear transaction involving Russia is subject to a blanket ban.

Section 111 of the law directs the US President to enforce existing US regulations governing uranium imports from Russia. It specifically cites uranium originating from Rosatom or any of its subsidiaries or successor entities. However, Section 114 subsequently introduces two significant exceptions.

The first exception states that the restrictions do not apply to activities conducted under the US-Russia Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Such agreements are established under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act.

The second exception pertains to the import of certain Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) used in nuclear reactors that falls within the scope of existing US law. Additionally, exemptions are granted for the import of certain medical isotopes, provided a waiver has already been issued for them.

A major reason behind this exception lies in the US’s own nuclear fuel requirements. Russia has long been a major player in the uranium enrichment sector. While the US has certainly attempted to reduce its broad economic dependence on Russia, the situation regarding nuclear fuel is different. In 2025, US civil nuclear plants procured enrichment services totaling 12.71 million Separative Work Units (SWU). Russia’s share of this was 3.284 million SWU, representing approximately 26 percent of the total.

In contrast, domestic US enrichment accounted for about 23 percent. France, the UK, and the Netherlands also provide enrichment services to the US. These figures illustrate the extent of US reliance on Russia in the nuclear fuel sector.

Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)