Rosatom expands Russian nuclear influence in Turkey, Iran, and Kazakhstan

Russia is utilizing its civilian nuclear program as a strategic tool to expand geopolitical influence and create long-term dependencies. Through the state corporation Rosatom, Moscow is securing major energy infrastructure projects in several nations.

Recent developments include Turkey expressing interest in having Russia build multiple nuclear power plants. In Iran, Russian representatives have provided a draft contract for the construction of several small nuclear reactors. Additionally, Rosatom signed an agreement with Kazakhstan to resume nuclear power production in the country for the first time since 1999.

These initiatives allow Russia to embed itself into the critical infrastructure of foreign governments, potentially creating decades-long ties that serve as a non-military lever of power during a period of international efforts to isolate the Kremlin.