Putin Paves Way for Nuclear Escalation by Cancelling US Plutonium Treaty

Vladimir Putin has terminated a treaty with the United States concerning the disposal of excess plutonium, escalating tensions over weapons-grade nuclear material and signaling potential nuclear arms advancements by Russia.

• Vladimir Putin signed a law on Monday, officially ending the treaty with the United States on the disposal of excess military-grade plutonium, which was suspended by Russia in 2016.
• The Russian Parliaments lower house passed the bill earlier this month, with the upper chamber approving it last Wednesday, reflecting ongoing tensions in US-Russia relations.
• This treaty termination raises concerns about Russias future handling of weapons-grade nuclear material, potentially leading to an increase in nuclear capabilities amidst escalating geopolitical rivalry.