The United States and Japan have proposed a resolution to the United Nations Security Council, urging all nations to refrain from deploying or developing nuclear weapons in space. This move comes amid concerns raised by the White House about Russia's anti-satellite weapon capabilities.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining outer space as a peaceful domain, a principle established during the Cold War. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa stressed the need to uphold the prohibition on placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit.
The United States, as a sponsor of the resolution, expressed its commitment to engaging with other Security Council members to build consensus on the text. However, Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador criticized the resolution as a "propaganda stunt" and "divorced from reality."
Despite the differing perspectives, the United States remains open to discussions with Russia and China on arms control issues. However, Russia has stated that any interaction is contingent upon the West addressing its security concerns.
The resolution highlights the growing tensions and mistrust in the international arena, which have elevated the risk of nuclear warfare to unprecedented levels. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, emphasized the urgent need to prevent a "sequel to Oppenheimer," referring to the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons.