Local campaigners gathered outside Framatome’s nuclear fuel plant in Lingen, Lower Saxony, on the evening of October 21 to oppose uranium shipments from Russia and the facility’s cooperation with Rosatom.

Radio Svoboda reported on Wednesday, October 21, citing representatives of the environmental group Ecodefense. Organizers linked the demonstration to the anticipated arrival of the Mikhail Dudin in Rotterdam, saying they believed the vessel was carrying another consignment of enriched Russian uranium. The contents of the cargo had not been confirmed.

Protesters demanded an end to Framatome’s work with the Russian state nuclear corporation and the withdrawal of authorization to produce fuel assemblies in Lingen for Russian-designed reactors. This type of fuel is used at nuclear power plants in countries including the Czech Republic, Hungary and Bulgaria. Activists have also warned of alleged espionage and sabotage risks if Rosatom personnel take part in production.

Lower Saxony approved preparations for the new operation in the summer of 2026 following direction from Germany’s federal government. Environmental organizations are challenging that decision, while a court in Lüneburg is considering an urgent request to suspend the permit. Production of the fuel assemblies has not yet begun.