News
Publish date: December 15, 1997
Written by: Thomas Jandl
News
The decision marks yet another step along the learning curve on Russia’s path towards a free-market economy, although this time Washington may be gnashing its teeth about its student’s progress. Russia stands to make an additional $300 million to $500 million from the sale on the international markets.
However, the decision is also a snub at the United States nuclear policy towards Russia. Moscow will no longer "accept discriminatory, unprofitable conditions" for its commercial grade uranium, the Washington Post quoted First Deputy Atomic Energy Minister Aleksandr Belesokhov. The West has a keen interest in keeping tight control over Russian nuclear materials.
The contract between Russia and the U.S.-based buying consortium had been signed as recently as August. The group comprises Cameco mining of Canada, Cogema of France and Nukem of the United States.
An accident aboard numerous Volgoneft oil tankers in the Kerch in mid December clearly show what can happen to aged ships when they are operated in bad weather—and when economic and military objectives are prioritized over the lives of crews and environmental safety.
In this news digest, we monitor events that impact the environment in the Russian Arctic. Our focus lies in identifying the factors that contribute to pollution and climate change.
A survey of events in the field of nuclear and radiation safety relating to Russia and Ukraine.
A visit last week by Vladimir Putin and a Kremlin entourage to Astana, Kazakhstan sought in part to put Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, on good footing with local officials.