2024-04-26 16:46:32
The US has warned that Russia is believed to be developing a space-based, anti-satellite nuclear weapon.
Russia said it was “firmly committed” to the existing treaty.
The draft presented on Wednesday “calls on all states – especially those with significant space capabilities – to actively contribute to the goal of peaceful uses of outer space and the prevention of an arms race in outer space.”
It also calls on countries to abide by the Outer Space Treaty, which requires all countries to “not place in Earth orbit any objects containing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction.”
Of the 15 Council members, 13 voted in favor, Russia, one of the five permanent members with veto power, voted against and China abstained.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield called the move “puzzling”.
“Russia vetoed a simple resolution confirming a legally binding commitment,” she said. “President V. Putin himself has publicly stated that Russia does not intend to deploy nuclear weapons in space. Therefore, today’s veto begs the question, why? If you support the rules, why don’t you support a resolution to approve them? What can you hide?’, she asked.
In February, White House spokesman John Kirby said Russia was developing a “disturbing” new anti-satellite weapon, but added that the weapon was not yet operational.
The weapon is space-based and armed with a nuclear weapon capable of targeting satellites, CBS News reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by saying Moscow “categorically opposes” the use of nuclear weapons in space.
The US is more dependent on satellite communications than anyone else, from military operations and surveillance to civilian uses such as GPS systems and financial transactions. On Wednesday, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated that, in the US’s assessment, “Russia is developing a new satellite with a nuclear payload.”
No further details have been released about the intelligence on which the claim is based.
“Russia firmly adheres to its international legal obligations, including the 1967 outer space treaty,” said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Russia’s UN envoy Vasily Nebenzia described the US-Japan resolution as a “cynical ploy” with “ulterior motives”.
The UN Security Council consists of five permanent members – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia, each of which has veto power – and 10 seats, which are appointed by other UN member states on a rotating basis, writes the BBC.
2024-04-26 16:46:32