russia may block a U.S. resolution at the United Nations calling on countries to abandon the arms race in space. Reuters writes about this with reference to sources among diplomats, UNN reports.
Details
On Wednesday, April 24, the UN Security Council is to consider a US resolution on nuclear weapons in space. russia is expected to block the document.
According to Reuters, resolution reaffirms the obligation of states to comply with the Outer Space Treaty and calls on countries to "actively promote the peaceful uses of space and prevent an arms race in outer space.
It is known that the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits the signatories, including russia and the United States, from placing "in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other type of weapon of mass destruction.
Addendum
It is noted that russia and China plan to put the amendment to a vote in the council first. The amendment repeats the pair's 2008 proposal for a treaty banning "any weapon in space" and the threat "or use of force against space objects.
Without our amendment, based on the General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2023, the text submitted by the United States will be unbalanced, harmful and politicized
The publication adds that at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, or France are required for to pass the amendment and draft resolution.
Context
The U.S. unveiled plans to pass the resolution weeks after Washington said Moscow was planning to develop anti-satellite space weapons. People familiar with the matter say the U.S. has told allies that russia could launch a nuclear weapon or mock warhead into space as early as this year.
Later, russian President vladimir putin denied these statements. According to him, with such "groundless accusations" Washington wants to draw Rrussia into negotiations on its own terms.
Recall
White House spokesman John Kirby said that Washington is calling on russia to support a UN resolution banning the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, hoping that russia will vote in favor.