Blocking Property of the Russian Federation for Uranium Disposition

Jun 27, 2012

Summary

Protects money and property related to an agreement with Russia to turn nuclear weapon material into safe fuel for power plants.

What problem does this solve?

The Russian government's assets in the U.S., tied to a nuclear disarmament deal, were at risk of being seized in lawsuits. This order protects those assets from legal actions, ensuring the agreement to safely dispose of nuclear material can continue without interruption.

What does this order do?

Blocks Russian government property

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. belonging to the Russian government that is directly related to the Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) Agreements.

Voids lawsuits against protected property

Makes any court actions like attachments, liens, or judgments against the blocked Russian property legally void, unless a special license is given.

Declares a national emergency

States that the large amount of weapons-grade nuclear material in Russia is an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security of the United States.

Authorizes the Treasury Department to act

Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the power to create rules and take actions needed to carry out the order, in consultation with other government agencies.

Prohibits attempts to get around the order

Forbids any transaction or conspiracy that tries to evade or violate the prohibitions set forth in the order.

Who does this affect?

Government of the Russian Federation
U.S. individuals and companies with legal claims against Russia

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures nuclear disarmament continues

Protects the financial parts of a key agreement with Russia that turns dangerous nuclear weapon material into safe fuel. This prevents lawsuits from stopping a major national security goal.

When does this start?

This executive order became effective on June 25, 2012.