What's happened
Russia vetoed a United Nations resolution aimed at preventing a nuclear arms race in outer space, following allegations by U.S. officials of Russia developing a space-based nuclear weapon. The resolution sought to affirm countries' obligations under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
Why it matters
The veto by Russia of the UN resolution raises concerns about the militarization of space and the potential for a nuclear arms race beyond Earth. The veto highlights the growing tensions between Russia and the U.S. over space security and the need for international cooperation to prevent the weaponization of space.
What the papers say
According to Axios, Russia vetoed the resolution because it only prohibited nuclear weapons in space, while the U.S. sought to affirm compliance with the Outer Space Treaty. The Independent reported that Russia's draft resolution goes further, calling for a ban on all weapons in space to prevent the threat or use of force.
How we got here
The debate over preventing a nuclear arms race in space stems from U.S. allegations earlier this year that Russia is developing a space-based nuclear weapon. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits placing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in space, with the recent resolutions aiming to reaffirm these commitments.
Common question
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.