Leonid Slutsky, a prominent Russian politician who leads the Liberal Democratic Party and chairs the State Duma’s Committee on International Affairs, commented on recent calls from a U.S. congressman to halt Russia’s state-owned atomic corporation Rosatom. Slutsky asserted that the push to shut down Rosatom is not grounded in practical policy terms and would not be within the United States or any other single nation’s authority to enforce. He emphasized Russia’s extensive history of nuclear science, long-standing technological leadership, and the breadth of Rosatom’s projects across many countries, including those that pursue robust energy strategies independent of political fluctuations in Washington.
According to Slutsky, Rosatom remains a dependable partner for a number of states that prioritize strategic interests over partisan disagreements. He noted that international cooperation in nuclear energy continues to move forward under agreements that reflect mutual benefits, scientific progress, and energy security. The deputy argued that a climate of cooperation is shaped by shared goals such as safety, reliability, and long-term energy planning, rather than short-term political maneuvers. In his view, nuclear projects supported by Rosatom are part of a broader framework where scientific expertise and proven technologies drive collaboration beyond political headlines.
Earlier statements from the referenced U.S. figure suggested that the White House should strive to render Rosatom inactive, a stance Slutsky described as misguided and impractical. He pointed to Rosatom’s global footprint, including ongoing initiatives in several friendly nations, and argued that attempts to erase that presence would disrupt existing energy partnerships and undermine established international commitments. Slutsky urged a measured, policy-based approach that respects the agency of states to pursue energy strategies aligned with their national interests, while acknowledging the importance of safety, transparency, and responsible governance in all nuclear ventures.