Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia.
Russia has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to end the arms race in space. All 13 countries of the 15-member Security Council voted in favor of the resolution. China did not participate in the vote. Russia is the only country to veto.
The British media BBC reported that the United States and Japan presented the draft resolution to the Security Council on Wednesday. The draft was based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. It said, “In addition to powerful countries, all states are called upon to actively contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and the prevention of arms race.”
The draft calls on nations to uphold the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. All signatories agreed not to place in Earth’s orbit any objects carrying weapons of mass destruction in space.
The United States criticized Russia for being the only country to veto the resolution, which was tabled in the Security Council on Wednesday. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the United Nations, called such a move by the country “confused”. He said the plain proposal would have ensured a legal obligation to stop such competition. However, Russia vetoed it. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly said that Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space.
“Today’s veto raises questions,” said Linda Thomas-Greenfield. If you follow the rules, wouldn’t you support a motion that ensures that rules are followed? What do you want to hide?’ On the other hand, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vasiliy Nebenzia, said that the US and Japan have ‘secret and cruel’ intentions behind the proposal.
Earlier in February of this year, US President’s Office White House spokesman John Kirby claimed that Russia is developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. Moscow later denied the allegations and claimed that they are firmly committed to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Russian President Vladimir Putin also clarified his country’s position on the issue. He said that Moscow’s position against the use of nuclear weapons in space is very clear.
The United States relies on satellite communications for many civilian uses, from global surveillance and US military operations to GPS systems and financial transactions, the BBC reported. As a result, if their satellites are targeted, the country will be paralyzed.