Disposition of Weapons-Grade Plutonium in Russia: Evaluation of Different Options

Abstract

The ongoing dismantlement of tens of thousands of nuclear weapons retired under the START I and START II treaties should result in over 60 tons of excess weapons-plutonium in Russia. Also, due to reprocessing of civil spent fuel, about 30 tons of reactor-grade plutonium is accumulated in Russia. This plutonium excess presents an international security problem. In the long term, the basic Russian approach for disposition of plutonium is to burn both weapons plutonium and civil plutonium in fast-neutron reactors. However due to the current political and economic situation in Russia, this plan cannot be realized any time soon. Under such conditions, the first priority should be placed on the establishment of a plutonium storage regime under bilateral or international control.