Russia has vetoed a United Nations resolution that sought to ban the use of nuclear weapons in outer space. The veto came amid concerns raised by US intelligence that Moscow is developing a nuclear device capable of destroying satellites.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the UN draft as a 'dirty spectacle' and a 'cynical ploy' orchestrated by the resolution's backers, the US and Japan.
In February, President Joe Biden confirmed US intelligence reports indicating Russia's development of a nuclear anti-satellite capability. Sources familiar with the intelligence revealed that the weapon could potentially destroy satellites by generating a massive energy wave upon detonation.
Before the vote, US officials suggested that Russia might be concealing information by vetoing the resolution. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed disappointment over the veto, questioning Russia's motives and urging transparency.
The resolution, co-sponsored by the US and Japan, aimed to reinforce the global non-proliferation regime, particularly in outer space, and emphasize the peaceful use of outer space. It called on UN member states to refrain from developing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction intended for Earth's orbit.
The vetoed resolution received support from over 60 member states and was designed to rebuild trust in existing arms control obligations.
The potential threat of nuclear weapons in space has been heightened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading to increased tensions between the US and Russia, the world's two largest nuclear-armed states.
Experts warn that a nuclear space weapon could pose a significant risk to satellite constellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink, which Ukraine has utilized in its conflict with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of space projects, including the development of a nuclear power unit in space. While Putin stated that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons if necessary, he stressed that there has not been a need for such action.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev suggested that strategic nuclear weapons could be deployed to defend territories integrated into Russia from Ukraine.
