Russia defends its veto of a U.N. resolution urging nations to prevent a nuclear arms race in outer space, challenging the U.S., Japan, and their allies to support Moscow’s rival resolution calling for a ban on all weapons in space. The U.S. and Western nations are accused of planning for the military exploration of outer space, while Russia is criticized for its anti-satellite weapons already in orbit and its development of a satellite carrying a nuclear device.
The verbal clash at the United Nations occurred as Russia threatened to strike British military facilities and announced plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield tactical nuclear weapons in response to comments about possible involvement in the war in Ukraine. Russian President Putin suspended Moscow’s participation in the New START treaty in February 2023, escalating tensions with the West over its support for Ukraine.
The United Nations expressed growing concern about increasing talk of nuclear weapons by various parties, emphasizing the alarmingly high nuclear risks. The vetoed U.S.-Japan resolution aimed to prevent weapons of mass destruction from being placed in outer space in accordance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Russia’s proposed rival resolution calls for a ban on all weapons in outer space as well as the threat or use of force for all time, which was criticized by the U.S. and its allies.
The U.N. warned against actions that could lead to miscalculation and catastrophic consequences, urging all countries to prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space. The vetoed resolution would have required countries to comply with their obligations under the Outer Space Treaty, but Russia’s actions in vetoing the resolution have raised concerns about its commitment to international peace and security. The U.S. and its allies questioned Russia’s sincerity in claiming not to plan the deployment of nuclear weapons in space.
Japanese Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki highlighted the potential consequences of a nuclear weapon detonating in outer space, leading to the destruction of satellites and critical space infrastructure with far-reaching impacts on people’s lives and development worldwide. The conflict at the U.N. reflects the broader tensions between Russia and Western nations over nuclear arms control and the militarization of outer space, raising concerns about the future of international peace and security in the increasingly contested domain.
