Russia has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at preventing a dangerous nuclear arms race in outer space. The resolution, sponsored by the United States and Japan, called on all nations not to develop or deploy nuclear arms or other weapons of mass destruction in space, which are already banned under a 1967 international treaty.
However, Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, dismissed the resolution as “absolutely absurd and politicized,” claiming it didn’t go far enough in banning all types of weapons in space. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 13 in favour with Russia opposing and China abstaining.
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, questioned Russia’s veto, asking why they wouldn’t support a resolution reaffirming existing rules. She emphasized the catastrophic ramifications of a nuclear explosion in space, which could destroy thousands of satellites operated by countries and companies worldwide, affecting vital communications, scientific, meteorological, agricultural, commercial, and national security services.
The resolution also sought to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space for all time, especially by countries with major space capabilities. However, the US opposed this amendment, leading to further debate on the issue. Russia’s actions and the US and Japan’s plans to place weapons in outer space have raised concerns about the potential risks and consequences of an arms race beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
