Russia withdraws from key nuclear pact with US after testing Burevestnik missile amid escalating tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially withdrawn Russia from a key nuclear agreement with the United States that was meant to reduce the use of weapons-grade plutonium. The agreement, originally signed in September 2000, had aimed to prevent the reuse of 34 tonnes of plutonium from both countries in nuclear weapons and to support global non-proliferation goals.

The law confirming Russia’s withdrawal was signed by President Putin on Monday after receiving approval from both houses of the Russian Parliament — the State Duma and the Federation Council. This decision marks a significant step away from one of the last remaining symbols of nuclear cooperation between Moscow and Washington.

The 2000 pact was seen as a milestone in efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons after the Cold War. Both sides had agreed to safely dispose of plutonium no longer required for military use. However, tensions between the two nations in recent years have made such agreements increasingly difficult to maintain.

Russian officials have argued that the deal had become outdated and no longer served Russia’s interests. The Kremlin stated that changing global security conditions, along with US sanctions and Washington’s withdrawal from other key treaties, justified ending the agreement. With the law now in effect, Russia is no longer bound by the commitments to limit its stockpile of weapons-grade plutonium.

Burevestnik Missile Test Raises Global Concerns

The announcement comes shortly after Russia tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, which has added to growing global tensions. President Putin said during his address to the Federal Assembly that Russian scientists had successfully developed a compact nuclear propulsion system. This technology, he claimed, allows a missile to fly for long distances without refueling, potentially giving it an unlimited range.

The Burevestnik missile, also known by NATO as the “Skyfall,” has been described as one of the most advanced weapons in Russia’s arsenal. It is designed to evade missile defense systems by flying at low altitudes and taking unpredictable flight paths. While Russian authorities hailed the test as a breakthrough, many Western nations expressed concern over its potential impact on global security and the risk of nuclear escalation.

President Putin emphasized that Russia’s military advancements were not aimed at any specific country but were meant to ensure the nation’s defense capabilities in an increasingly unstable world. “We are not threatening anyone, but we must be ready to protect our sovereignty,” he said.

Trump Calls Missile Test ‘Inappropriate’

In response, US President Donald Trump criticized Russia’s missile test and called it “inappropriate.” Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said that instead of testing new nuclear missiles, President Putin should focus on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“I don’t think it’s an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying either. By the way, he ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now in its fourth year. That’s what he ought to do instead of testing missiles,” Trump said.

Trump also highlighted America’s strong defense capabilities, mentioning that the US operates “the greatest nuclear submarine in the world” near Russian waters. He added, “We test missiles all the time, but we don’t boast about it. They’re not playing games with us, and we’re not playing games with them either.”

The US government has not yet announced any official response or sanctions related to Russia’s withdrawal from the plutonium disposal agreement. However, several analysts believe this move could further damage relations between the two nuclear superpowers and mark another step away from arms control diplomacy.

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End of an Era in Nuclear Cooperation

Experts say that the cancellation of the plutonium agreement is a worrying sign for the future of nuclear stability. The 2000 deal had been seen as a symbol of trust-building between Russia and the United States at the beginning of the 21st century. Its end signals a deeper breakdown in cooperation on global nuclear safety.

With this withdrawal, both countries now have fewer mechanisms in place to monitor and limit nuclear materials that could be reused for weapons. This, analysts warn, could increase the risks of proliferation and potentially lead to a new arms race.

Several treaties that once formed the foundation of nuclear stability — including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty — have already collapsed in recent years. The latest decision by Russia may further strain the only major arms control agreement still in place, the New START Treaty, which limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads.

For now, Moscow insists that it remains open to dialogue but demands that Washington “show respect” and treat Russia as an equal partner. Meanwhile, US officials continue to express concern over Russia’s growing nuclear capabilities and its aggressive foreign policies.

The world now watches closely as tensions between the two powers rise once again — reminding many of the Cold War era when nuclear threats and mistrust defined international relations.

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