The resolution, which was sponsored by dozens of countries, including Portugal, called on all countries not to develop or deploy weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, in space.
Russia vetoed this Wednesday a resolution presented by the United States and Japan at the UN Security Council aimed at preventing the development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, in space.
The text received 13 votes in favor, with China abstaining and Russia voting against, which as a permanent member of the Security Council has the power to block a draft resolution.
The resolution, which was sponsored by dozens of countries, including Portugal, called on all countries not to develop or deploy weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, in space.
The vote on this draft resolution followed confirmation by the White House last month that Russia has obtained a “concerning” anti-satellite weaponry capability, although such a weapon is not yet operational.
Russian President Vladimir Putin later declared that Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space, claiming that the country has only developed space capabilities similar to those of the United States.
The now vetoed draft resolution advocated that “the prevention of an arms race in space would avoid a serious danger to international peace and security”.
It urged all countries carrying out exploration and use of outer space to comply with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Tags: Russia vetoes resolution weapons mass destruction space
