In a significant diplomatic showdown, Russia has wielded its veto power at the UN Security Council to block a resolution aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space. The resolution, jointly proposed by the United States and Japan, sought to reinforce the principles outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The draft resolution, which was tabled on Wednesday, urged all nations, particularly those with substantial space capabilities, to actively contribute to maintaining the peaceful use of outer space and to thwart any escalation towards an arms race. It also emphasized adherence to the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit around Earth.
Despite garnering support from 13 out of the 15 council members, Russia, wielding one of the five permanent member vetoes, opposed the resolution, with China abstaining from the vote.
The move drew sharp criticism from the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who expressed bewilderment at Russia’s decision. She questioned why Russia, despite publicly disavowing the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, would not support a resolution reaffirming existing international obligations.
The backdrop to this diplomatic clash includes allegations from the US about Russia’s development of a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. While the White House has raised concerns about this weapon, stating it is not yet operational, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vehemently denied any intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space.
The US, heavily reliant on satellite communications for military, surveillance, and civilian purposes, has underscored the gravity of the situation, reiterating its assessment of Russia’s alleged development of a satellite armed with a nuclear device.
Russian officials have maintained their commitment to international legal obligations, including the Outer Space Treaty, dismissing the US-Japanese resolution as a “cynical ploy” with undisclosed motives.
The deadlock in the UN Security Council underscores the escalating tensions surrounding space militarization, raising concerns about the potential ramifications for global security and stability.
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