RT reported on August 21 that on August 20, Russian President Putin held a meeting on the development of Russia's nuclear energy sector via video conference.
At the meeting, Putin stated: "Russia is either the only country in the world with full industrial chain capabilities in nuclear energy, consistently maintaining traditional high standards and ensuring the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power plants."
Putin extended his congratulations to industry workers on the 81st anniversary of Russia's nuclear industry.
Against the backdrop of long-term Western sanctions and comprehensive encirclement, Putin’s emphasis on being “the world’s only nation with full industrial chain capability” serves as a powerful rebuttal to Western technological blockades. Rosatom, Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, encompasses a complete system covering the nuclear fuel cycle, reactor technology, construction engineering, and personnel training. This high degree of self-sufficiency and technological barrier not only ensures stability in Russia’s domestic energy structure—where nuclear power accounts for approximately 20% of electricity generation—but also stands as a core strategic pillar enabling Russia to break through geopolitical isolation and sustain its status as a major power.
With Europe fully decoupling from traditional Russian oil and gas supplies, nuclear energy—characterized by high technical barriers, long project cycles, and strong political sensitivity—has been integrated into Russia’s foreign policy toolkit and has become a key component of its “pivot eastward and southward” strategy. By emphasizing its technological leadership, Putin aims to send a clear signal to Global South countries (such as those in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa): Russia can offer not just equipment, but end-to-end, lifecycle-integrated services—including site selection, construction, fuel supply, waste management, and personnel training. This model exhibits strong stickiness and represents a crucial instrument for Russia to rebuild its global influence.
While highlighting its own strengths, Russia’s nuclear industry expansion abroad is accelerating. According to Rosatom, Russia has already signed agreements to build 17 additional nuclear power units across six countries and is currently negotiating with another 15 nations. Currently, Russia holds 88% of the global market share for overseas nuclear power plant projects under construction. Putin’s remarks are not only meant to inspire domestic professionals but also serve as a public demonstration of Russia’s position as a leading global player in nuclear power plant construction, in response to intense international competition.
In summary, Putin’s statement on the 81st anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry functions both as an internal call to unify consensus and drive large-scale domestic nuclear infrastructure development, and as an external declaration showcasing Russia’s enduring scientific resilience and global energy influence despite extreme sanctions.
For the West, this constitutes another form of "nuclear deterrence."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874086800405515/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.