Russia Blocks US Draft Resolution on Nukes in Space After Its Amendment Rejected

© AP Photo / Yuki IwamuraRussia's United Nations envoy Vassily Nebenzya addresses the United Nations Security Council chamber during an emergency meeting at UN headquarters, Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Russia's United Nations envoy Vassily Nebenzya addresses the United Nations Security Council chamber during an emergency meeting at UN headquarters, Sunday, April 14, 2024. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 25.04.2024
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UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Russia on Wednesday blocked a US- and Japan-sponsored draft resolution that would have urged against developing nuclear weapons or other types of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) specifically designed to be placed in orbit after its amendment was rejected, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
Thirteen UNSC members voted in favor, while China abstained.
Prior to the vote, Russia and China proposed an amendment that would have extended the ban to include the placement of any type of weapons in space, rather than just nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.
The amendment failed in a 7-7 vote, with one member abstaining.
If adopted, the amendment would have required states to "take urgent measures to prevent for all time the placement of weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force in outer space, from space against Earth and from Earth against objects in outer space."
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 25.04.2024
Russia Stands Ready to Sign Agreement on Banning All Weapons in Outer Space, Envoy Says
Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzya said earlier this month that the UN Security Council is not the right body to adopt resolutions on outer space activities that affect all UN members.
He stated that the US and Japan were seeking to politicize the matter and use the draft resolution to promote "groundless" allegations about Russia aiming to deploy nuclear weapons in space. At the same time, the US is refusing to take any obligations not to develop other types of weapons specifically designed to be placed in outer space, Nebenzya stressed.
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