Russia’s no arms in outer space initiative gains support

Preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space remains one of the key objectives of Russian diplomacy. We believe that space should be used solely for peaceful scientific research purposes in the interest of development and progress of the world.

That is why Russia is eager to promote initiatives that prohibit the weaponization of space and help develop international cooperation.

Among them is the Russian draft resolution on No First Placement of Arms in Outer Space presented at the UN General Assembly. Co-sponsored by 33 countries, the resolution was for the first time given overwhelming support by the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) during the current session, with 126 votes in favor and 4 against (the United States, Israel, Georgia and Ukraine). The voting has confirmed that the Russian initiative to prevent the weaponization of space is winning growing support in the international community. The text will now be submitted to the plenary of the General Assembly for adoption.

The draft resolution provides the basis for further action to keep outer space free from any kind of weapons and to ensure that all countries have an equal opportunity for its peaceful use. One of the key provisions is the idea of early talks at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva with a view to drafting and adopting a binding international treaty to prevent the placement of arms in outer space and the threat or use of force against outer space objects. Such a treaty was first proposed by Russia and China in 2008. An updated Russian-Chinese draft was submitted to the Conference on Disarmament in June this year.

The draft resolution also includes an appeal to all states to adopt a political commitment on no first placement of arms in outer space. So far, 11 countries have made declarations, namely Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan.

Adopting a commitment not to be the first to place weapons in outer space by all nations with major space capabilities would greatly facilitate a legally binding ban on the placement of any kind of weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force against outer space objects. Further efforts to spread this pledge across the globe would be a major contribution to the efforts of all the UN member countries towards equal and indivisible security and stability.

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RT.