Statements from the Japanese government or credible diplomatic sources

May 6 UN Debates Intensify: Russia Vetoes U.S.-Backed Space Nuclear Ban

May 7, 2024, 02:14 PM

Recent debates at the United Nations General Assembly on May 6 focused on Russia's veto of a U.S.-backed Security Council resolution intended to prevent a nuclear arms race in outer space. The resolution aimed to prohibit nuclear weapons in space, aligning with the principles of the Outer Space Treaty. Russia, however, proposed an alternative to ban all weapons in outer space. This move has raised concerns about Russia's commitment to the peaceful use of outer space, as highlighted by Japan's Ambassador Yamazaki. The debates were intensified by U.S. officials' recent allegations that Russia is developing a nuclear space weapon, which President Putin has denied.