Russia withdraws from plutonium accord

The US has expressed its disappointment over Russia's move to suspend a deal on the disposal of plutonium.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Source: AAP

The United States has expressed disappointment with Russia's decision to suspend an accord on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium, the White House says.

"The decision by the Russians to unilaterally withdraw from this commitment is disappointing," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

The agreement, he said, had "pledged the disposal of thousands of nuclear weapons worth of plutonium".