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Putin Terminates Plutonium Pact: Nuclear Tensions Rise Amid New Missile Tests

Russia has officially ended a key nuclear agreement with the United States. The plutonium disposal pact was originally signed back in 2000 to limit weapons-grade material. This move comes as Russia announces successful testing of a new nuclear-powered missile. Meanwhile, the White House expresses frustration over both the nuclear developments and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Key Points: Putin Ends US Plutonium Disposal Agreement Amid Tensions

  • Putin signs law terminating 2000 plutonium disposal agreement with United States
  • Agreement required disposal of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium from both nations
  • Russia suspended pact in 2016 citing US sanctions and NATO expansion
  • Development follows successful testing of nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile
2 min read

Putin terminates plutonium disposal agreement with US

Russia terminates 2000 plutonium disposal pact with US, citing hostile actions and sanctions while announcing successful nuclear-powered missile tests.

"The president has also long expressed his frustration with Vladimir Putin and both sides of this war - White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt"

Moscow, October 28

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law terminating the already defunct plutonium disposal agreement with the United States, aimed to limit production of nuclear weapons-grade material, RT reported.

The lower house of Parliament approved the bill earlier this month, while the Federation Council, the upper chamber, gave its consent last Wednesday. The legislation came into effect on Monday following Putin's approval.

The agreement, signed in September 2000, required both Russia and the United States to dispose of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium that was no longer needed for military purposes.

Moscow had suspended the accord in October 2016, citing "hostile actions" by the US, including the imposition of sanctions and growing influence of NATO near its eastern borders, RT reported.

This development comes after Russia successfully tested a nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile. Putin in his address to the Federal Assembly (Russia's bicameral parliament) stated that Moscow had developed a small-sized nuclear power unit that could be used in a cruise missile to extend its range practically indefinitely. According to Putin, this would be a low-flying missile with an unpredictable trajectory, TASS reported.

Putin was cited as saying that the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile has no analogues in the world. He said Moscow had successfully tested the weapon and would work towards deploying it. Russian officials claim it remained airborne for about 15 hours and covered about 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles).

This adds to the US President Donald Trump's "frustrations" over slow progress being made on a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal.

Recently, the US imposed new sanctions on Russian oil companies, citing ot as an "appropriate and necessary" step to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

"The president (Donald Trump) has always maintained that he would implement sanctions on Russia when he felt it was appropriate and necessary. And yesterday was that day. The president has also long expressed his frustration with Vladimir Putin (Russian President) and both sides of this war (Russia-Ukraine)", Leavitt said during a press briefing at the White House," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Russia is just responding to US sanctions and NATO expansion. When powerful countries push others into corners, what do they expect? India should maintain strategic autonomy and not get dragged into these conflicts.
A
Arjun K
The timing with the Burevestnik missile test is no coincidence. Both sides are playing dangerous games while ordinary people suffer. Hope our government navigates this carefully - we have good relations with both countries.
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Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, I'm more worried about how this affects oil prices and our economy. Sanctions on Russian oil companies will definitely impact global energy markets. Hope India's strategic oil reserves are sufficient.
V
Vikram M
Honestly, both US and Russia need to show more responsibility. Nuclear weapons aren't toys. India has maintained a credible minimum deterrent while being responsible. These superpowers should learn from our example.
M
Michael C
The plutonium agreement termination is symbolic of deeper trust deficits. While I understand Russia's security concerns, abandoning nuclear safety agreements sets a dangerous precedent. Hope diplomatic channels remain open.

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