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.

Fennovoima could sign a contract for the Hanhikivi nuclear power plant in Finland by the end of this year, perhaps with Russian equity of 34%.

A contract signed by NIAEP-AtomStroyExport of Russia with the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission will pave the way for preparations prior to the construction of Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant.

The reactor pressure vessel for unit 3 of Russia's Rostov nuclear power plant is in the process of installation. The component has been put in place ready for circulation pipes to be connected.

A lease agreement has been signed for land on which the pilot heavy metal-cooled SVBR-100 reactor will be built in Dimitrovgrad in Russia's Ulyanovsk region.