Washington, 27 April 2024 (TDI): Russia Veto UN Resolution on the arms race in outer space in the Security Council on Wednesday.
The proposed resolution, introduced jointly by the United States and Japan, aimed to reassert a fundamental principle outlined in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
The United States has issued a cautionary statement regarding suspicions that Russia is in the process of developing a nuclear weapon designed for use in space, specifically targeting satellites.
Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov calls American claims it is planning to cripple western satellites with a super-weapon a ‘malicious fabrication’ thirteen member countries voted for the resolution, with China abstaining.
Furthermore, the resolution aimed to reinforce the commitments outlined in current treaties, which mandate that nations refrain from deploying objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other forms of weapons of mass destruction into Earth’s orbit, as reported by the UN press service.
Also Read: President Zelensky calls for support following Russian missile strike
Following the Russia Veto on the UN Resolution, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed disappointment.
“This resolution was a vital step towards ensuring the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of all,” she stated. “Russia’s veto is a dangerous setback for international efforts to promote space security and stability.”
The draft, put forward on Wednesday, called on “all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the objective of the peaceful use of outer space and of the prevention of an arms race in outer space.”
Also Read: Russia vetoed renewal of sanctions on North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin said 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.
