In a move that has sent waves across the international community, Russia has exercised its veto power against a joint US-Japan resolution at the United Nations Security Council. The resolution aimed to prevent the militarization of space, specifically the deployment of nuclear arms or other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the extraterrestrial realm.
About the draft resolution
The draft resolution was a reaffirmation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the placement of WMD in space and has been a cornerstone of space law for over half a century. The treaty, signed by both the US and Russia among other nations, represents a commitment to maintaining space as a domain free of conflict and arms race.
Timing of the Veto
The veto comes at a time when concerns over an arms race in space have intensified. The resolution, co-led by Japan and the US, garnered the support of 65 co-sponsors, signalling a widespread apprehension about the potential for space to become a new battleground. The resolution passed the UNSC with 13 votes in favour, including three of the five permanent members – France, the UK, and the US – but was ultimately blocked by Russia’s veto.
What could be the impact?
Russia’s veto is not just a diplomatic manoeuvre but a statement that may have far-reaching implications for global security. It raises questions about the future of space governance and the effectiveness of existing international treaties in preventing the weaponization of space. The veto also highlights the growing tensions between Russia and the US, with space becoming yet another frontier for geopolitical rivalry.
The Japanese government has expressed regret over Russia’s decision, emphasizing the importance of the resolution for global peace and security. The resolution’s failure due to the veto is a setback for efforts to strengthen norms against the placement of weapons in space and to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.
Background
Last Wednesday, Russia rejected a proposal at the UN Security Council. This proposal urged countries to halt the development of weapons for space. The US and Japan proposed this, referring to a rule established in 1967 advocating for peaceful uses of space.
The US suspects Russia of creating a weapon to destroy satellites in space. However, Russia insists it’s abiding by the longstanding principle of space being for peaceful purposes.
The proposal called upon all nations, particularly those proficient in space technology, to contribute to maintaining space as a peaceful domain. Additionally, it highlighted the prohibition of placing weapons, such as nuclear ones, in space.
While most members of the council supported the proposal, Russia dissented, and China chose not to vote either way.
In February, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Russia was developing a “troubling” new anti-satellite weapon, though added that the weapon was not yet operational. This weapon reportedly carries a nuclear payload designed to target satellites. Given the US’s heavy reliance on satellites for military, GPS, and other civilian applications, this development raised alarms.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed opposition to the idea of using nuclear weapons in space.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed Russia’s commitment to following international rules, including those established in 1967 regarding space.
Russia’s representative at the UN Vassily Nebenzia criticized the proposal from the US and Japan, labelling it as a deceptive manoeuvre, although the specific motivations were not disclosed.
The UN Security Council comprises five permanent members with veto powers and ten rotating members.
In conclusion, Russia’s veto of the US-Japan resolution is a significant situation that underscores the challenges of maintaining space as a peaceful domain. It is a reminder that the international community must continue to engage in dialogue and negotiation to uphold the principles of the Outer Space Treaty and to prevent the militarization of space, which remains a common heritage of mankind.