The Russian Parliament on Wednesday approved the suspension of a cooperative weapons-grade plutonium disposal agreement with the United States, formalizing one of the sharpest downturns in relations between Moscow and Washington since the start of the Ukraine crisis in 2014.
According to the Tass news agency, the measure was adopted virtually unanimously by the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament. Of the deputies present, 445 supported its adoption, and only one member of parliament abstained.
The proposal made waves in the international community when President Vladimir Putin introduced it for the legislature's consideration on Oct. 3. Russia accused the United States of failing to uphold its end of the agreement, which aimed to reduce stockpiles of nuclear material on both sides.
The Kremlin also presented a list of demands for the U.S. to accede to before Moscow will consider resuming nuclear cooperation in this sphere. Namely, the U.S. must remove military hardware and infrastructure from NATO countries that have joined the alliance since Sept. 1, 2000.
Furthermore, Moscow demanded Washington annul the so-called Magnitsky Act, which sanctioned Russian officials for the death of a Russian lawyer of the same name, repeal of sanctions imposed against Moscow over Ukraine, and repay the damages incurred from sanctions.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
