April 24, 2024
2 mins read

UN braces for US-Russia showdown on nukes in space

Tensions have escalated between the two superpowers following accusations by the US that Russia is developing anti-satellite nuclear weapons for deployment in space…reports Asian Lite News

The upcoming United Nations Security Council meeting is poised to become a battleground between the United States and Russia regarding the contentious issue of nuclear weapons in space. Set to vote on a US-drafted resolution aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space, the Security Council faces a potential deadlock as Russia is expected to block the draft.

Tensions have escalated between the two superpowers following accusations by the US that Russia is developing anti-satellite nuclear weapons for deployment in space, allegations vehemently denied by Russia’s defence minister. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, along with Japan’s UN Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki, have been engaged in negotiations over the draft resolution for six weeks, emphasizing the importance of preventing an arms race in outer space and upholding the Outer Space Treaty.

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits signatories, including Russia and the US, from placing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in Earth’s orbit. Russia, along with China, plans to introduce an amendment to the council proposing a treaty banning all weapons in outer space, a move intended to counter the US draft resolution. However, this amendment is not expected to gain sufficient support for adoption.

Deputy Russian UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy contends that the US draft resolution is unbalanced and politicized, arguing that issues related to outer space should be addressed by all parties to the Outer Space Treaty, not just Security Council members. Despite US intelligence officials’ concerns about Russia’s alleged development of space-based nuclear weapons, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated Russia’s opposition to the deployment of such weapons in space.

The increasing importance of satellites in military operations, exemplified by their role in the conflict in Ukraine, underscores the significance of preventing the militarization of outer space. With both the US and Russia asserting their positions on this critical issue, the Security Council faces a challenging task in finding a consensus that upholds international peace and security in the realm of space exploration.

ALSO READ: Major arrests at New York University campus as Gaza protests spread

Previous Story

Americans feel fighting terror must be top foreign policy task

Next Story

US warns Pakistan of potential risk of sanctions

Latest from -Top News

Trump Takes Aim at EU With New Tariffs

Trump claimed that the European Union has “taken advantage of” the United States…reports Asian Lite News U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration has decided to impose a 25% tariff on

India Rips Into Pakistan at UNHRC Session

Tyagi emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, will always remain an integral part of India, pointing to the progress in these regions…reports Asian Lite News India has strongly criticized Pakistan

$5M for U.S. Citizenship? Trump’s New Offer

President Trump sees the ‘Gold Card’ also as a tool to raise money to pay down the national debt…reports Asian Lite News President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the proposed ‘Gold Card’

Delhi Talks: EU, India Eye Trade & Tech

The EU President, accompanied by the European Union College of Commissioners, will be on a visit to India from February 27 to February 28. ..reports Asian Lite News As top European Union

Russia offers rare earth metals to US

Ukraine and the US are currently in renewed negotiations to sign an agreement on rare earth metals…reports Asian Lite News Russia on Monday said that it is ready to strike a deal
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US govt orders diplomats’ families to leave Ukraine

Washington has also authorised the “voluntary” departure of its embassy

Partnership with India key to tackle China challenge: US

In order to counter China’s growing aggression in the region,