The torch relay for the 2014 Winter Olympics in the Russian city of Sochi reached the North Pole with the aid of the world's largest nuclear-powered icebreaker.

Russian nuclear fuel manufacturer TVEL has signed a long-term contract to supply fuel for the second stage of China's Tianwan nuclear power plant, plus equipment to enable China's Yibin fabrication plant to manufacture fuel for Tianwan in future.

The foundation stone has been laid at the Rooppur site after Russia and Bangladesh signed an initial contract on the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant.

The two reactors for the first floating nuclear power plant being built in Russia have been installed in the vessel's hull, marking a major milestone in the plant's construction.

Russia and the USA have agreed to cooperate on a range of nuclear-related research areas such as safeguards, security, fast reactors - and "defence from asteroids."

Fennovoima and Rusatom Overseas have set their sights on concluding an investment decision and power plant supply contract for a new nuclear power plant at Hanhikivi in Finland by the end of 2013.

A final shipment of low-enriched uranium has marked the completion of Russia's commitments under the Megatons to Megawatts program. The US-Russian agreement to downblend weapons-grade uranium will expire later this year.

Russia is funding a new technology centre in Vietnam and cooperating with an Argentine university, helping develop the skills needed for nuclear programs in those countries. Meanwhile, Rosatom claims more than 15,000 jobs could be created if South Africa proceeds with its nuclear energy expansion plans.

Former foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi has returned to the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran as its head. He will soon lead negotiations with Russia on the potential supply of new nuclear reactors, set to begin once Bushehr is handed over.

The reactor vessel for the second new reactor at Novovoronezh Phase II has gone through pressure testing, one of the final stages of its manufacture.

All highly enriched uranium (HEU) has now been removed from Vietnam following the air transport of 11 kilograms of used research reactor fuel back to Russia.