Russia has put forward a U.N. resolution urging all countries to take immediate action to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space “for all time.” This comes after Russia vetoed a U.S.-Japan resolution aimed at halting an arms race in space. The Russian resolution goes further by calling for a ban on deploying weapons in outer space, as well as preventing the threat or use of force in space. It specifically mentions deploying weapons from space to Earth, and vice versa. The Russian Ambassador vetoed the U.S.-Japan resolution citing the need for a broader ban on all types of weapons in space.
The vetoed U.S.-Japan resolution mainly focused on banning weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear arms, in outer space. It did not cover other types of weapons in space and did not include a provision for preventing the threat of force in space. The resolution aimed at enforcing compliance with a 1967 international treaty ratified by the U.S. and Russia that prohibits the development and deployment of nuclear arms in space. However, before the resolution could be voted on, Russia and China proposed an amendment calling on all countries to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space and the use of force in space for all time. The amendment was defeated due to lack of sufficient votes.
Following the veto, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed confusion at Russia’s decision, noting that President Putin had claimed Russia has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space. This statement was in response to reports suggesting Russia had developed an anti-satellite weapon capability. The Russian Ambassador defended the veto, accusing the U.S. and its allies of planning to place weapons in outer space and noting that the U.S. had previously blocked a Russian-Chinese proposal for a treaty against placing weapons in space. The U.S. accused Russia of undermining global treaties, engaging in dangerous nuclear rhetoric, and failing to discuss arms control or risk reduction.
Despite the differences in the resolutions, much of the Russian draft resolution overlaps with the U.S.-Japan resolution in calling for the prevention of an arms race in space. Both resolutions urge countries, especially those with advanced space capabilities, to work towards the peaceful use of outer space and prevention an arms race in space. Thomas-Greenfield warned of the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear explosion in space, emphasizing the need for cooperation among countries to prevent the militarization of space. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador defended Russia’s actions and accused the U.S. of promoting militarization of space.
The debate at the U.N. Security Council highlights the growing concerns over the weaponization of outer space and the need for international cooperation to prevent an arms race in space. Both Russia and the U.S. have proposed resolutions aimed at preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space, but differences remain on the scope of the ban and enforcement mechanisms. The veto by Russia of the U.S.-Japan resolution underscores the challenges in reaching a consensus on this issue. As countries continue to develop advanced space technologies, the need for regulations to prevent the weaponization of outer space becomes increasingly urgent.
