The BRICS TimesRussian President Vladimir Putin has made a shocking decision. He officially terminated the crucial plutonium management agreement with the United States.
Putin Nullifies Nuclear Pact
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a major blow to the US on Monday (October 27). He decided to cancel the long-standing plutonium agreement with America. This deal previously meant both nations would stop making nuclear weapons. However, Putin has now broken the terms of this accord. US President Donald Trump had been speaking against Russia for a long time. He even asked India to cancel a trade deal with Russia. India, however, did not follow this suggestion.
Escalating US-Russia Tensions
Relations between America and Russia have been strained for many months. A report from ANI confirms Putin’s step against Trump. The law Putin signed received approval from the Russian Parliament earlier this month. Significantly, Russia and Ukraine remain locked in a prolonged conflict. The US and several other countries are supporting Ukraine. Amid this environment, Putin has kept his nuclear forces on high alert.
Historic 2000 Agreement
A significant deal was struck between Russia and the US in September 2000. Under that pact, both countries destroyed 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium. However, Moscow unilaterally suspended this accord in October 2016. The US viewed Russia’s action as hostile. They called it an act filled with clear enmity.
Recent Missile Test Follows Cancellation
Putin canceled the US agreement right after a major success. Russia recently tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile. This missile is considered highly dangerous. For this reason, the decision to scrap the US deal is viewed very seriously.
