Vietnam and Russia to Fast-Track Nuclear Power Plant Deal

Vietnam and Russia have agreed to quickly negotiate and sign agreements on building nuclear power plants in Vietnam, the two nations announced in a joint statement following Vietnamese President To Lam’s visit to Moscow, The Gaze reports, referencing Reuters.

“The development of the plants with advanced technology will strictly be compliant with nuclear and radiation safety regulations, and for the benefit of socio-economic development,” the statement said.

While presented as a step toward meeting Vietnam’s growing energy demands, the move raises alarm over Moscow’s deeper geopolitical ambitions, especially as the Kremlin faces mounting international isolation over its ongoing war against Ukraine.

This also marks a significant revival of Vietnam’s nuclear ambitions, which were suspended nearly a decade ago. Now, as the Southeast Asian country seeks to meet the energy demands of its fast-growing economy, nuclear power is back on the agenda.

The Vietnamese government has indicated that the first reactors, with a combined capacity of up to 6.4 gigawatts, could become operational between 2030 and 2035. 

Talks have already begun this year with several foreign partners — including Russia, Japan, South Korea, France, and the United States — to explore nuclear cooperation.

Russia’s involvement would mark a deepening of bilateral energy ties. According to the joint statement, the two countries also plan to boost cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including supplying Russian crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Vietnam.

Vietnam has ramped up its energy diversification efforts in recent years as electricity demand surges. Nuclear energy is seen as a critical component of achieving energy security while reducing dependence on coal and imported fuels.

The agreement underlines Russia’s ongoing efforts to expand its global nuclear energy footprint, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, amid broader geopolitical and economic realignments.

As The Gaze previously reported, European foreign ministers issued a united call for peace in Ukraine on Monday, with several top diplomats urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage seriously in negotiations.