Russia exits US nuclear deal, takes back 34 tons of nuke material

Russia has officially withdrawn from the 2000 Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) with the United States, which required both countries to dispose of 34 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium by converting it into fuel for civilian reactors. The Russian Parliament passed legislation on October 8, 2025, denouncing the pact, citing “fundamental changes in circumstances” such as NATO expansion, US sanctions, and military support for Ukraine. Russia had effectively ceased participation in the agreement since 2016, accusing the US of failing to meet its obligations and using the deal for political leverage. The termination means Russia could reclassify the 34 tons of plutonium as part of its strategic reserves, halting further commitments to render the material unusable for weapons. This decision adds to a series of arms control setbacks between Moscow and Washington, including Russia’s withdrawal from the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty, suspension of New START participation, and cessation of cooperation under the Open Skies