President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree to terminate Russia‘s involvement in the Multilateral Nuclear and Environmental Program (MNEPR) framework agreement and its accompanying Protocol. This official document was made available on the legal information portal on Saturday.

The MNEPR is an international initiative aimed at promoting collaboration and support in the areas of spent nuclear fuel safety and the management of radioactive waste.

The newly signed decree also withdraws from the protocol concerning claims, litigation, and financial liability exemptions related to the agreement.

Originally signed in 2003 by Russia and several OECD member nations, the agreement aimed to establish a long-term foundation for multilateral efforts to address the pressing issue of disposing of decommissioned nuclear submarines and nuclear maintenance vessels in northwest Russia, as well as the remediation of spent nuclear fuel storage facilities.

The agreement included participation from Belgium, the UK, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, the US, Finland, France, Sweden, the EU, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the European Atomic Energy Community.

Cooperation under the agreement framework was suspended during the period from 2015 to 2017, as reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Recently, a draft law was presented in the State Duma that suggests the country’s withdrawal from the agreement. Lawmakers have indicated that this action would not result in any “negative socio-economic, financial, or other consequences.”

The MNEPR agreement stipulates that either party can withdraw by providing a written notice 90 days in advance to at least one of the depositories, which include the Russian Foreign Minister and the Secretary General of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development).

Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council, has previously directed senators to review Russia’s international agreements to pinpoint those that are outdated or unfavorable.