UNSC to vote on space weapon ban amid concerns over Russia

The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a draft resolution emphasizing the “prohibition of space weaponization,” driven by concerns over Russia’s readiness to deploy nuclear weapons in space, according to diplomatic sources cited by Reuters in a report published on Tuesday, April 23.

The United States has accused its arms rival, Russia, of developing anti-satellite nuclear weapons for deployment and launch in space. Russia vehemently denies these allegations, and international media, despite following the claims from both sides, have yet to confirm or refute them independently.

According to the U.S., Russia is developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon designed for launch and deployment in space. If deployed, this weapon could detonate and disrupt all satellite services, from military communications to GPS navigation services.

The “prohibition of space weaponization” is a treaty first signed by member states of the United Nations Security Council in 1967. This treaty obligates Security Council members to prevent the placement of “any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kind of weapons of mass destruction into orbit around the Earth.”

The United Nations Security Council session regarding the U.S.-presented draft resolution is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24. The draft urges countries to “actively engage in the peaceful use of space and prevent an arms race in space.”

According to Reuters’ report, Russia is expected to block the approval of this resolution in the forthcoming United Nations Security Council session.

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