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EO 13159Executive OrderClinton · D Quiet signal

Executive Order 13159

Blocking Property of the Government of the Russian Federation Relating to the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted From Nuclear Weapons

This executive order blocks Russian government assets related to a 1993 U.S.-Russia agreement to convert weapons-grade uranium into commercial reactor fuel, protecting approximately 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium from judicial seizure and ensuring payments reach Russia to support nuclear nonproliferation goals.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 39279

Impact dates

  1. Order effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Key directives

  • All department heads shall continue taking all appropriate measures to further full implementation of the HEU Agreements
  • Block all Russian government property directly related to HEU Agreement implementation that is in the U.S., comes within U.S., or is within possession/control of U.S. persons including overseas branches
  • Void any attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process against blocked property unless licensed
  • Secretary of Treasury authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out order, in consultation with Secretary of State, Secretary of Energy, and other agencies as appropriate
  • Treasury Secretary may redelegate functions to other officers and agencies
  • All agencies directed to take all appropriate measures within statutory authority to carry out order

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Blocking of Russian HEU-related assets takes effect June 22, 2000
  • Nullification of existing judicial processes against blocked property

Near term (90d)

  • Treasury Secretary to develop implementing regulations with State and Energy

Long term

  • Ongoing implementation of HEU Agreements through ~500 metric tons conversion
  • Continued interagency coordination to support full agreement implementation

Risks & tensions

  • Potential tension with U.S. creditors whose valid judgments against Russian assets are nullified
  • Scope of 'directly related to implementation of the HEU Agreements' may require regulatory clarification—vague boundary could create compliance uncertainty
  • Reliance on Treasury licensing authority creates administrative bottleneck risk
  • Long-term durability depends on continued Russian cooperation; order does not create enforceable rights for private parties
Executive Order 13159: Blocking Property of the Government of the Russian Federation Relating to the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted From Nuclear Weapons · Executive Orders