UNITED NATIONS: Russia has vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space. The draft resolution, put forward by the US and Japan, sought to reaffirm principles outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
Of the council’s 15 members, 13 voted in favor of the resolution, while Russia exercised its veto power against it, and China abstained.
The resolution called on all countries, particularly those with major space capabilities, to actively contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and prevent an arms race. It emphasized upholding the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in Earth’s orbit.
The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized Russia’s veto, questioning why a straightforward resolution reaffirming legal obligations was not supported. The US has expressed concerns about Russia developing a space-based anti-satellite weapon armed with a nuclear device, although Russia has denied any intention to deploy nuclear weapons in space.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pointed out at Russia’s commitment to international legal obligations, including the Outer Space Treaty. However, Russia’s envoy to the UN described the US-Japanese resolution as a “cynical ploy” with “hidden motives.”
The veto highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives regarding space militarization among the permanent members of the UN Security Council.
