Russia vetoes UN vote on stopping arms race in outer space
Russia exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council to block a resolution urging nations to prevent an arms race in outer space. The resolution, proposed by the US and Japan, aimed to reiterate a principle established in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The US raised concerns about Russia’s alleged development of a space-based, anti-satellite nuclear weapon.
In response, Russia asserted its strong commitment to the existing treaty. The resolution, introduced on Wednesday, called on all nations, particularly those with significant space capabilities, to actively promote the peaceful utilization of outer space and prevent an arms race there.
It also emphasized adherence to the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits placing nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in Earth’s orbit.
Of the 15 council members, 13 voted in favor, while Russia, as one of the five permanent members possessing veto power, opposed it, and China abstained.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized Russia’s action, describing it as “baffling” and citing President Putin’s public statement that Russia has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space.
“So today’s veto begs the question, why? Why, if you are following the rules, would you not support a resolution that reaffirms them? What could you possibly be hiding?”
In February, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Russia was developing a “troubling” new anti-satellite weapon, though added that the weapon was not yet operational.
The weapon was space-based and armed with a nuclear weapon to target satellites, the BBC’s US partner CBS News reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in response that Moscow was “categorically against” the use of nuclear weapons in space.
More than any of its potential global adversaries, the US depends on satellite communications for everything from military operations and surveillance to civilian uses like GPS systems and financial transactions.
On Wednesday, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated that the US assessed that “Russia is developing a new satellite carrying a nuclear device”.
Details of the intelligence behind the claim have not been made public.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “Russia is firmly committed to its international legal obligations, including 1967 The Outer Space Treaty.”
Russia’s envoy to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, described the US-Japanese resolution as a “cynical ploy” with “hidden motives”.
The UN Security Council is made up of five permeant members – the US, UK, France, China, and Russia – each of which has a veto, and 10 seats that rotate between the other UN member states.
