US Tough on Russian Oil, Flexible on Uranium Imports

The United States is preparing to tighten economic pressure on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which has cleared both chambers of the U.S. Congress, would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian crude oil and natural gas. However, provisions concerning civilian nuclear cooperation and uranium create an important exception, allowing certain Russian nuclear-related supplies to continue. The legislation has been sent to Trump for final approval.

The exception is linked to the United States’ continued dependence on foreign nuclear-fuel supplies. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Russia accounted for 26% of the foreign-origin enrichment services purchased by U.S. civilian nuclear operators in 2025. The U.S. Department of Energy has also said the country imports around 20–25% of its enriched uranium from Russia and is investing billions of dollars to expand domestic enrichment capacity. Nuclear power supplied about 18% of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation in 2025, highlighting the importance of maintaining a reliable fuel supply while domestic capacity is being developed.