Russia Vetoes Space Arms Race Resolution

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

MOSCOW/NEW YORK (Worthy News) – Russia on Wednesday declined to help prevent an arms race in space as it vetoed a U.S.-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution.

Moscow’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia vetoed the resolution that called on countries to prevent an arms race in outer space.

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?” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council after the vote. “It’s baffling, and it’s a shame.”

Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia countered that Washington is trying “to tarnish Moscow” and said Russia “would shortly begin negotiations with council members on its own, 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.

The draft resolution was put to a vote by the U.S. and Japan after nearly six weeks of negotiations.

It received 13 votes in favor, while China abstained and Russia cast a veto, adding to concerns that an arms race among the world’s most influential nations moves toward the stars.

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