US criticizes Russia's veto on UN space arms resolution

Russia vetoed a UN resolution aimed at preventing a nuclear arms race in outer space, sparking a contentious debate in the Security Council. The resolution, sponsored by the US and Japan, called on nations to refrain from developing or deploying nuclear arms or other weapons of mass destruction in space, in line with a 1967 treaty. The vote saw 13 in favor, Russia opposed, and China abstaining.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized Russia's veto, questioning their motives given President Putin's denial of plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space. The US raised concerns about Russia's alleged development of anti-satellite weapons, fueling tensions.

Russia and China proposed an amendment calling for a ban on all weapons in outer space, not just WMDs, but it failed to garner enough support. The US rejected the amendment, highlighting past Russian-Chinese proposals for a similar treaty that were blocked.

The defeated resolution underscored the importance of preventing an arms race in outer space to safeguard international peace and security. It emphasized compliance with existing treaties and the need for further measures to avert potential catastrophic consequences of a nuclear explosion in space.

The UN Conference on Disarmament was urged to play a key role in negotiating agreements to prevent an arms race in outer space. However, geopolitical tensions and lack of progress in the conference have heightened concerns about the risk of nuclear warfare.