The U.S. ambassador stated on Monday that both the United States and Japan are backing a resolution at the United Nations Security Council that urges all countries to refrain from using or creating nuclear weapons in outer space.

During a U.N. Security Council gathering, Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern about the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in orbit around the Earth, stating that such an action would be unprecedented, hazardous, and not acceptable.

Last month, the White House confirmed that Russia has access to an anti-satellite weapon capability, although it is not yet operational. This follows the announcement that the U.S. and Japan have drafted a resolution in response.

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, stated that the country does not plan to place nuclear weapons in space. He argued that Russia’s space capabilities are comparable to those of the United States.

The agreement known as the Outer Space Treaty, which has been approved by approximately 114 nations including the United States and Russia, forbids the use of nuclear weapons or other forms of weapons of mass destruction in outer space and prohibits the positioning of any type of weapons in orbit or in any other way in outer space.

Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Foreign Minister and chair of the council meeting, stated that the two sides were able to maintain a peaceful environment in outer space even during the tense Cold War era. She emphasized the importance of upholding the agreement to prohibit any placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit.

Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of all participants in the treaty agreeing to the prohibition of nuclear and other dangerous weapons. She also urged all member nations who have not yet joined to do so promptly.

She expressed that the USA is eager to participate with the other representatives on the 15-nation Security Council in order to achieve agreement concerning this written proposal.

The deputy ambassador of Russia to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyansky, stated that Moscow believes the suggested resolution to be a “mere ploy by the US,” highly influenced by politics and lacking in realism.

He pointed out that the wording was not crafted by professionals and was not discussed at significant international forums like the U.N. Conference on Disarmament or the U.N. Committee on Outer Space.

Outside the Security Council, Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. is interested in engaging with parties to the treaty “to explore ways to increase confidence in compliance” with the ban on nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in outer space.

She stated that the United States is currently exploring options to prevent undetected deployment of nuclear weapons in orbit by other countries. The country also plans to collaborate with other states as their strategies progress.

Thomas-Greenfield restated to the council that the US is prepared to communicate with Russia and China currently, without any prerequisites, to discuss matters of bilateral arms control.

However, Polyansky from Russia claimed that the West is attempting to cause a strategic defeat on their country.

He stated that for any interaction to occur, the US and NATO must reassess their stance against Russia and demonstrate a willingness to engage in a comprehensive dialogue that considers all elements of strategic stability and addresses our security concerns.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed the council that the current geopolitical tensions and lack of trust have significantly increased the likelihood of nuclear conflict, reaching levels not seen in decades.

The film “Oppenheimer” was described by him as a vivid portrayal of the harsh truth surrounding nuclear destruction, focusing on Robert Oppenheimer’s role in the U.S. project during World War II that led to the creation of the atomic bomb. It reached a global audience and brought awareness to the potential for a doomsday scenario.

“The U.N. chief stated that humanity would not be able to endure a follow-up to Oppenheimer.”

Source: wral.com