Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution sponsored by the US and Japan on Wednesday, which called on all nations to contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and to prevent a dangerous nuclear arms race. Furthermore, the resolution would have urged all nations “to refrain from actions contrary to that objective and to the relevant existing treaties in the interest of maintaining international peace and security.”
The draft resolution received thirteen votes in favor, one abstention from China and one vote against from Russia. Since Russia is one of the five permanent members on the UN Security Council, their vote effectively killed the resolution.
The resolution sought to reaffirm the principles set out in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The Outer Space Treaty—formally known as the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies—is an international agreement that governs activities in outer space. Article Three of the treaty obliges state parties to explore outer space in the interest of maintaining international peace and security. Article Four further compels states to “not place in orbit around the earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction.”
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield called the move by Russia “baffling,” stating that it had vetoed a straightforward resolution. Greenfield said, “And 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?”
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya dismissed the resolution as “absolutely absurd and politicized.” Nebenzya maintained that Russia “remains committed to its obligations in outer space under international law.” He also announced that Russia plans to submit an alternative draft resolution soon.
The draft resolution was announced after the US accused Russia in February of developing an anti-satellite nuclear weapon to put in space. This could potentially disrupt everything from military communications to phone-based services. However, it is believed that the satellite is not yet operational. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s minister of defense have denied the accusations, stating that Russia is against the use of any nuclear weapons in space.
