The Russian and Western nuclear industries remain dependent on each other, a situation that has shielded Russia from European sanctions, an industry report said on Thursday.

The West still relies on the Russian nuclear power industry and vice versa, a review has warned. It said the "significant" interdependence has protected Russia from further European sanctions. But reducing the West's reliance risks increasing costs,

Russia remains a vital trading partner for the West, particularly in the export of enriched uranium, which is essential for nuclear power plants in many countries. According to a report by the Russian propaganda outlet Swobodnaja Pressa,

A close ally of President Vladimir Putin warned Western governments on Thursday that a nuclear war would ensue if they gave the green light for Ukraine to use long-range Western weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia.