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Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
Outside the box.
US and Russia Clash at UN over Nuclear Weapons in Space: Vote on Arms Race Prevention
The United States and Russia are set to clash at the UN Security Council on Wednesday over a U.S.-proposed resolution aimed at preventing a nuclear arms race in outer space.
The vote comes after the U.S. accused Russia of developing an anti-satellite nuclear weapon, an allegation Russia denies.
The U.S. and Japan have been negotiating the draft text for six weeks, but Russia is expected to block it.
The text emphasizes the need for countries to adhere to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit around Earth.
Russia and China are planning to propose an amendment in the UN council to ban all weapons in outer space and prevent the use of force against space objects.
The UN amendment proposed by the US is unlikely to be adopted due to opposition from Russia and other permanent Security Council members.
The amendment and resolution need nine votes in favor and no vetoes from Russia, China, US, UK, and France to pass.
Russia's deputy ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, criticized the US text as unbalanced, harmful, and politicized, arguing that it would undermine the Outer Space Treaty legal regime.
The U.S. and Japan have been negotiating the draft text for six weeks, but Russia is expected to block it.
The text emphasizes the need for countries to adhere to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit around Earth.
Russia and China are planning to propose an amendment in the UN council to ban all weapons in outer space and prevent the use of force against space objects.
The UN amendment proposed by the US is unlikely to be adopted due to opposition from Russia and other permanent Security Council members.
The amendment and resolution need nine votes in favor and no vetoes from Russia, China, US, UK, and France to pass.
Russia's deputy ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, criticized the US text as unbalanced, harmful, and politicized, arguing that it would undermine the Outer Space Treaty legal regime.
