Russia has introduced a resolution at the United Nations urging all countries to take immediate action to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space indefinitely. This move comes shortly after Russia vetoed a resolution put forth by the United States and Japan aimed at halting an arms race in space.
The Russian draft resolution, which was made public by The Associated Press, goes beyond the U.S.-Japan proposal by not only advocating for measures to prevent weapons from being stationed in outer space but also for prohibiting the threat or use of force in space permanently.
The resolution specifically addresses the deployment of weapons from space to Earth and from Earth to objects in outer space. Russia's U.N. Ambassador emphasized that the U.S.-Japan resolution did not go far enough in banning all types of weapons in space.
The vetoed resolution focused solely on weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear arms, and did not address other types of weapons in space. It called on all nations to refrain from developing or deploying nuclear arms or other weapons of mass destruction in space, as stipulated by a 1967 international treaty ratified by the U.S. and Russia.
Prior to the vote on the U.S.-Japan resolution, Russia and China proposed an amendment that urged countries, particularly those with space capabilities, to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space permanently and to avoid the threat of force in space. However, the amendment was defeated due to insufficient votes.
The U.S. Ambassador expressed bewilderment at Russia's veto, questioning why a resolution reaffirming existing rules was not supported. She raised concerns about Russia's intentions, especially in light of reports about Russia's anti-satellite weapon capability.
Russia's Ambassador defended the veto, accusing the U.S. and its allies of planning to station weapons in outer space. He also criticized the U.S. for obstructing a Russian-Chinese proposal for a treaty against placing weapons in outer space since 2008.
Despite some differences, much of the Russian draft resolution aligns with the U.S.-Japan proposal, particularly in language regarding preventing an arms race in space. Both resolutions call on countries, especially those with significant space capabilities, to actively contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and prevent an arms race in space.
The ongoing debate underscores the growing concerns about the potential consequences of a nuclear explosion in space and highlights the complex dynamics surrounding efforts to regulate weapons in outer space.
