A Russian official yesterday signaled Moscow is willing to allow the U.S.to choose a different plutonium disposition method than the mixed-oxide approach outlined in a bilateral deal from 2000. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) calls for each nation to dispose of 34 metric tons of weapon-usable plutonium by converting the material into MOX fuel. “It is up to the US to choose their own path for material disposition,” the official told Weapons Complex Morning Briefing by email. “If the DOE will decide to drop MOX option we will have to discuss [a] new protocol. My government is ready for any talks related to the agreement implementation. Right now we are in a waiting mode.”
The official said Russia has expected “more information” from its “US partners” on Washington’s approach to the PMDA for “several years now.” National Nuclear Security Administration chief Frank Klotz said in a brief interview last week that neither party is currently negotiating an amendment to the PMDA, but added that the U.S. has informed Russia of the Department of Energy’s increased support for the alternative dilution and disposal approach. “We have raised to their awareness at the technical level … that we are exploring alternative pathways to get to the mission of disposing of 34 metric tons of excess weapons-grade plutonium,” Klotz said. “Their response has been, ‘Well, if you have something more definitive, then let’s get back together and discuss it.’”
The U.S. in the bilateral agreement pledged to provide $400 million to help Moscow operate its MOX plant, at Russia’s Mining & Chemical Combine (GKhK), which sits in the south central part of the country. Workers recently completed construction of the facility, which as of mid-September had produced its first 10 kilograms of MOX fuel, according to Russian state media outlet Russia Today.
House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said during a MOX hearing last week that it appears a “virtual impossibility” for Congress to approve any U.S. funds for Russia’s MOX program in the near future, given recent public statements by Pentagon brass about the danger Russia could pose to the U.S. "Given that so many senior U.S. military leaders are saying they are our biggest threat, it’s going to be a virtual impossibility to get more money out of Congress for Russia," he said.
NNSA, the U.S. State Department, and the Russian Embassy were not available for comment Monday.