Staff Reports
In a vote at the United Nations, Russia used its veto power to stop a resolution made by the United States and Japan. This resolution aimed to ban the use of nuclear weapons in outer space. The United States expressed concerns about Russia developing weapons that could damage satellites. However, Russia has denied these allegations.
US Ambassador to the UN Calls Russia's Latest Veto 'Baffling'
https://t.co/w1BAvAfPMf— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 26, 2024
The U.S. and Japan had been working on this resolution for almost six weeks. When it was put to a vote, it received 13 votes in favor. China chose to not vote, and Russia used its veto power to stop the resolution from passing. The resolution aimed to affirm the need to follow the Outer Space Treaty and urged countries to work towards peaceful use of outer space and preventing an arms race in that area.
This 1967 Outer Space Treaty holds countries accountable for not placing objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit around the Earth. The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed disappointment in Russia’s veto. She questioned why Russia would not support a resolution that reaffirms the rules if they are following them.
The White House also questioned Russia’s veto, stating that if Russia truly does not plan to place nuclear weapons in space, it wouldn’t have vetoed the resolution. On the other hand, Russia stated that it is working on its own resolution to maintain peace in space. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, questioned the U.S.’s intent in presenting the resolution, accusing them of trying to discredit Russia.
