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Russia Vetoes UN Space Nukes Ban, Cites Outer Space Treaty

May 2, 2024, 12:40 PM

Russia recently vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at banning nuclear weapons in outer space, describing the initiative as a "dirty spectacle" and a "cynical ploy." The resolution, which was supported by 13 states while China abstained, sought to prevent a nuclear arms race in space. Following the veto, Russia proposed its own U.N. resolution to ban weapons in space, just a week after vetoing a similar U.S.-Japan draft. U.S. intelligence suggests that Russia is developing an EMP nuclear weapon for space use, and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy confirmed Russia is working on an anti-satellite weapon capable of carrying a nuclear device. This development raises concerns about the violation of the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits placing nuclear weapons in orbit.