The United States plans to propose a resolution at the United Nations Security Council next week that would ban the deployment of nuclear weapons in space. Observers will be paying close attention to the vote. Many see this effort as directly aimed at Russia amid contentious claims that the country is developing nuclear weapons for use in space.
According to Bloomberg and other sources, John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Assistant, announced on the 4th (local time), “the Security Council will vote early next week on a resolution demanding all nations to refrain from deploying nuclear weapons in space.” He pointed out Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “I heard Russia say it has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space,” and emphasized, “I expect Russia to vote in favor of this resolution, and I see no reason why they wouldn’t.”
Last month, the United States and Japan jointly drafted a resolution banning the development of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) designed for deployment in Earth’s orbit and submitted it to the Security Council. If the resolution is adopted, it is expected to reaffirm the Outer Space Treaty signed by major countries, including the United States and the former Soviet Union in 1967, pledging not to place nuclear weapons in Earth’s orbit. However, it is unclear whether Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, will vote in favor of the resolution. For a resolution to be adopted by the Security Council, none of the five permanent members must vote against it. Russia has continuously conflicted with the United States, recently vetoing a resolution to extend the term of the panel of experts of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea.
Previously, controversy arose as U.S. intelligence agencies revealed that Russia is developing a space nuclear capability to strike other countries’ satellites. The United States has reportedly warned its allies that Russia could launch nuclear weapons or simulated warheads into space as early as this year. The U.S. congressional leadership even convened an emergency security meeting in February, considering the issue a grave national security threat. In response, President Putin drew a line, stating, “Russia has always been entirely against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space and instead urges (other countries) to comply with all agreements.
Apart from pushing for a Security Council resolution vote, the United States and Japan plan to discuss this issue at the US-Japan summit in Washington D.C. held on the 10th, from the perspective of “peaceful use of outer space.”
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