Russia and US clash at UN over nuclear weapons in space
- Moscow vetoed a resolution to prevent an orbital arms race, prompting the US to ask if Russia was hiding something
- The vote came after Washington accused Moscow of developing an anti-satellite nuclear weapon to put in space
Russia on Wednesday vetoed a US-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution that called on countries to prevent an arms race in outer space, a move that prompted the United States to question if Moscow was hiding something.
The vote came after Washington accused Moscow of developing an anti-satellite nuclear weapon to put in space, an allegation that Russia has denied. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow was against putting nuclear weapons in space.
“Today’s veto begs the question: Why? Why if you are following the rules would you not support a resolution that reaffirms them? What could you possibly be hiding?” US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council after the vote. “It’s baffling and it’s a shame.”
Russia’s UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Washington of trying to tarnish Moscow and said Russia would shortly begin negotiations with council members on its own draft resolution aimed at keeping space peaceful.
“We want a ban on the placement of weapons of any kind in outer space, not just [weapons of mass destruction]. But you don’t want that … Let me ask you that very same question: Why?” Nebenzia asked Thomas-Greenfield in the council.