Russia has vetoed a draft resolution banning the deployment of nuclear weapons in space. It became the only member of the UN Security Council to vote against the document.
The resolution was drafted by the United States and Japan after information emerged about Russia’s plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space. It is assumed that this is an apparatus that will hit satellites in low orbits with the help of a powerful electromagnetic pulse.
The document ordered the members of the Security Council to comply with article 4 of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits countries from placing nuclear weapons in orbit or on other celestial bodies. It also called on countries not to develop nuclear weapons or other types of weapons of mass destruction specifically designed to be placed in orbit, as well as actively contribute to the achievement of the goal of peaceful use of outer space and the prevention of an arms race.
As a result, 13 of the 15 members of the Security Council voted for the document, another one abstained (China). As expected, Russia became the only country to vote against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space. Since it has the right of veto, the resolution was not adopted. Russia explained its refusal by the fact that the text of the resolution did not include a clause banning the deployment of any types of weapons in outer space. This amendment was not adopted, as seven of the 15 Security Council countries voted against it and one more abstained.
After the vote, the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, sharply criticized Russia’s position, recalling the public assurances of its leadership that it did not intend to deploy nuclear weapons in space. A similar statement was made by the White House, which stated that by this action Russia actually recognized its intention to place nuclear weapons in space.
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