Unfortunately, such sanctions are not possible, due to the harm that they could cause to the broader European energy infrastructure.
For example, there are fourteen nuclear reactors in the European Union that are entirely dependent on Russia for their fuel – and the global nuclear industry is not yet well placed to compensate for this deficit.
The end of Europe’s dependence on Russia should send a clear message that exploiting nuclear power plants during warfare has significant consequences
Until a strong plan is in place to end global reliance on the Russian nuclear industry, sanctions are just not a viable option.
However, there is some hope.
Untangling Europe from Russian nuclear industry could be achieved by developing nuclear fuel conversion, enrichment, and fabrication capabilities that were previously Russian in other places.
This process has already begun in Europe, as power stations sign new long-term contracts with non-Russian resource providers.
The move away from Russia is creating new economic opportunities in the sector for the US and Spain, for example the collaboration between energy giants Westinghouse and Enusa to fabricate fuel for Russian-designed reactors that has made Moscow redundant.
The end of Europe’s dependence on Russia should send a clear message that exploiting nuclear power plants during warfare has significant consequences.
It is time for the international community to take action and rebuild the decades-old safeguards around nuclear energy infrastructure in conflict zones.
Both Moscow and Kyiv need to cease their attacks which threaten nuclear energy infrastructure and commit to upholding the principles that have, so far, prevented disaster.
Dr Becky Alexis-Martin is a Lecturer in Peace, Science, and Technology at the University of Bradford
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