"80 years of leadership": Russia’s nuclear industry maintains global supremacy

The Russian nuclear industry remains at the forefront of the global sector, acting as an important "technological lever" of the country. This was stated to the press office of the National Centre RUSSIA by Pavel Seleznev, Dean of the Faculty of International Economic Relations at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, on the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry.

On 20 August 2025 Russia marks the 80th anniversary of its nuclear industry. On this day in 1945, by decision of the State Defence Committee of the USSR, a Special Committee on the Use of Atomic Energy was established to lead the creation of Soviet nuclear weapons. Today, Russia’s nuclear industry encompasses the construction of nuclear power plants around the world, the development of the logistics framework of the Northern Sea Route, the creation of new materials with unique properties, and assistance in treating serious diseases through nuclear medicine technologies.

"The nuclear industry is one of the key locomotives and drivers not only of the national economy but also, without exaggeration, a leading industry worldwide. Our technologies are in high demand abroad, and we are ahead of all existing analogues. What we have in terms of the nuclear icebreaker fleet, our competitors definitely do not. In terms of strategic directions for developing natural resources, the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route, the role of Rosatom is hard to overestimate. This is truly a very promising and breakthrough story," emphasised the Dean of the Faculty of International Economic Relations.

He added that Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet is growing, with new vessels being commissioned.

"Nuclear power plants are a subject of our exports. Of course, we share our developments and technologies, we train personnel. Our country builds nuclear complexes turnkey and transfers them into operation for our partners," said the expert. "The main thing is not to reveal all the secrets, in order to retain our competitive advantage. This is our direct technological lever."

Pavel Seleznev, Dean of the Faculty of International Economic Relations at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, specially emphasised the breakthrough role of the nuclear industry in the field of nuclear medicine. This area, aimed at human well-being, makes it possible to radically improve quality of life, to effectively fight previously incurable diseases, and to open new horizons in healthcare. The expert noted that Russian developments in this area serve not only national interests but also make a significant contribution to the common technological future of the whole world. Seleznev also pointed to the strategic importance of the nuclear industry for the state’s defence potential.

"The prospects of our nuclear industry are bright. A great contribution has been made by our Kurchatov Institute. In terms of intellectual potential and the solutions developed within it, the Institute can easily compete with the Academy of Sciences, specifically in terms of practical applied solutions," the expert concluded.

At the "Journey Across Russia" exposition in the National Centre RUSSIA, every visitor can feel like a true conqueror of the North. The interactive zone allows you to take the helm of an icebreaker, plot a course through the Arctic and learn about the work of a captain in the harsh conditions of permafrost. Guests of the National Centre RUSSIA have the opportunity to experience the northern latitudes and see Russia from a new perspective.

Guided tours of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition are free of charge with prior registration. Full details are available on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA in the "Events" section.