Russia vetoes UN vote on stopping arms race in outer space

Russia has vetoed a United Nations vote on stopping the arms race in outer space. The US has previously warned that Russia is trying to develop a space-based, anti-satellite weapon. The UN General Assembly's First Committee on Disarmament and International Security attempted to pass a draft resolution entitled "Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space". The aim of the resolution was to encourage all states to prevent an arms race in space and to promote cooperation in space activities. However, Russia blocked the resolution by casting its veto, arguing that the text of the resolution was "unbalanced" and did not take into account the interests of all states. Russia has consistently voiced its opposition to the militarization of space and has called for the negotiation of an international treaty banning the deployment of weapons in space. The US has expressed concern over Russia's actions in space. In August, the US Space Command accused Russia of testing a space-based anti-satellite weapon. According to General John Raymond, the Commander of US Space Command, Russia conducted a non-destructive test of a space-based anti-satellite weapon that was capable of targeting satellites in orbit. The US has long been wary of Russia's intentions in space. In 2019, the US Space Command was established as a separate combatant command to better address the threats posed by potential adversaries, including Russia and China. General Raymond has stated that the US is ready and committed to deterring aggression and defending its national interests in space. Outer space