Argentina pivots toward the US, leaving Russia’s nuclear ambitions in the cold.

Russia-Argentina nuclear cooperation stalls

According to Espreso.tv: Russia’s ambassador to Argentina, Dmitry Feoktistov, has confirmed that joint nuclear projects between the two countries have ground to a halt. The shift follows Argentina’s new strategic alignment with the United States under President Javier Milei, who has prioritized American partnerships—a move that has significantly chilled relations with Moscow.

A 2018 strategic partnership agreement on peaceful nuclear energy remains unfulfilled. Plans to build VVER-1200 reactor units and nuclear power plants have not materialized. Argentina has also announced the privatization of the state-owned company Nucleoelectrica Argentina. Meanwhile, Buenos Aires signed a contract with Meitner Energy to construct a small modular reactor, signaling its push to develop nuclear energy in cooperation with the United States.

Argentina’s new nuclear direction

Further underscoring its pro-US stance, Argentina has joined the American-led FIRST nuclear program. Notably, the country has no intention of importing nuclear fuel or completed reactors from Russia. In 2021, Russia’s Uranium One sought to acquire a stake in the Alpha Lithium Corporation project, but the deal was canceled due to sanctions imposed in 2022. The asset was subsequently taken over by Argentine firm Techint, while Uranium One redirected its focus to lithium ventures in Bolivia—a country that has also moved closer to Washington.

As a result, Argentina’s policy shift in the nuclear sector and its pivot toward the United States have profoundly impacted cooperation with Russia.

“The projects are not being implemented,” Dmitry Feoktistov concluded.

Argentina’s realignment with the United States reflects broader geopolitical trends, as nations increasingly choose partnerships aligned with their strategic interests. This growing competition between major powers for influence in traditionally aligned regions may reshape energy sectors and international relations—with Argentina’s new course likely to bring significant changes to its energy landscape and global standing.