Russia's UN veto raises alarms over space arms race with the US

Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at the peaceful use of outer space, casting doubt on their intentions despite a recent statement from Vladimir Putin. He declared that Moscow has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space.

On Wednesday, Russia blocked a draft resolution designed to prevent the placement of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in space, as reported by the Turkish agency Anadolu. The resolution, introduced by the United States and Japan and co-sponsored by Turkey, failed to pass in the 15-member UN Security Council.

The resolution garnered 13 votes in favor, one abstention, and was vetoed by Russia. China abstained from voting. Moscow and Beijing had proposed amendments to the draft, but it fell short of adoption due to an insufficient majority. Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, criticized the draft resolution for not accommodating the perspectives of all members, labeling it "narrow and political".

"Russia vetoed a straightforward resolution that solidifies a legally binding agreement," stated Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Ambassador to the UN, as quoted by the BBC. "President Putin himself has said publicly that Russia has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space," she continued. "So today's veto begs the question, why? Why, if you are following the rules, would you not support a resolution that reaffirms them? What could you possibly be hiding?" the ambassador probed.

"As we have noted previously, the United States assesses that Russia is developing a new satellite carrying a nuclear device. We have heard President Putin say publicly that Russia has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space. If that were the case, Russia would not have vetoed this resolution," said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in an official statement from the White House.