Russian activists held a peaceful protest in the center of St. Petersburg against the import of uranium waste from Germany. Unusual New Year decorations on radioactive waste barrels appeared in front of one of the most famous historical buildings of the city.

The export of uranium waste from Germany to Russia was resumed in May 2019. More than 10 years ago, environmentalists have managed to stop a similar dirty uranium deal. The previous head of Rosatom, Sergey Kiriyenko (now-the head of the presidential administration of Russia) in 2011, said in an interview with one of the main business media in Russia that contracts for the import of uranium waste will no longer be concluded because of the chemical danger of the substance.