Russia cancelled a 2000‑era agreement with the United States on plutonium disposal on October 27, citing U.S. sanctions and NATO expansion.
Plutonium Disposal Agreement
In 2000, a treaty was signed to manage surplus plutonium, with the 2011 law making it operative. The pact required the elimination of at least 34 tons of plutonium used in military targets, converting it among other things into mixed‑oxide fuel (MOX). By 2016 Russia suspended the agreement, blaming U.S. sanctions and NATO’s enlargement.
Termination Announcement
On 27 October, the Kremlin informed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had terminated the treaty. Russia also withdrew from all associated protocols, which had governed financing, civil liability for potential damage, and the disposal of irradiated plutonium in nuclear reactors, according to the TASS agency. The move is linked to a series of anti‑Russian actions by the United States.
Recent Military Test of Nuclear‑Powered Missile
Earlier on 26 October, Putin visited a command post hosting Ukrainian‑aligned squads. During the visit he referenced recent nuclear triad drills, asserting that Russia’s strategic forces can counter attacks against Russia and ally Belarus. General Staff chief Valeriy Gierasimow also reported the successful test of the Burawiej missile, powered by nuclear propulsion, which was designed to travel 14 000 km and strike a target.