Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 On December 13, 1958, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (#UNOOSA) was established to promote international cooperation in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
The creation of this new UN Secretariat entity was preceded by the dawn of the space age, ushered in by the launch of the world’s first artificial Earth satellite – Sputnik-1 – by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This achievement not only marked a triumph of Soviet science and a major milestone in global technological progress, but also posed to the international community the task of developing shared rules for the responsible and safe exploration of outer space.
🇺🇳 UNOOSA supports the work of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (#COPUOS), established by a decision of the UN General Assembly in 1959 and now serving as the key multilateral forum for discussing space-related issues.
Within its mandate, UNOOSA:
• maintains the UN Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space;
• acts as the UN coordinating centre for the provision of satellite data in situations of natural disasters and humanitarian crises;
• oversees the UN Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER)
• promotes the implementation of UN international legal instruments on outer space, including the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and related agreements.
A key area of UNOOSA’s work is the creation of conditions for the use of outer space for the benefit of the entire international community. The Office implements the UN Programme on Space Applications, supports capacity-building, knowledge- and technology-sharing, and expands the practical use of space science in support of sustainable socio-economic development, primarily in developing countries.
👉 We note that today UNOOSA continues to play an important role in strengthening equal and responsible cooperation between established spacefaring nations and states that are only beginning to develop their own space programmes, helping to reduce disparities in access to space technologies and services.
🇷🇺 As continuator to the USSR, which opened the space era, Russia consistently upholds the principle that outer space is the common heritage of humankind and must be used on an equal, non-discriminatory basis and exclusively for peaceful purposes. We expect the international community to make every effort to preserve outer space free from confrontation – in the interests of security and sustainable development for present and future generations.
💬 Excerpt from the statement delivered by Deputy Head of the Russian delegation to the First Committee of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Konstantin Vorontsov (November 3, 2025, New York)
The creation of this new UN Secretariat entity was preceded by the dawn of the space age, ushered in by the launch of the world’s first artificial Earth satellite – Sputnik-1 – by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This achievement not only marked a triumph of Soviet science and a major milestone in global technological progress, but also posed to the international community the task of developing shared rules for the responsible and safe exploration of outer space.
🇺🇳 UNOOSA supports the work of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (#COPUOS), established by a decision of the UN General Assembly in 1959 and now serving as the key multilateral forum for discussing space-related issues.
Within its mandate, UNOOSA:
• maintains the UN Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space;
• acts as the UN coordinating centre for the provision of satellite data in situations of natural disasters and humanitarian crises;
• oversees the UN Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER)
• promotes the implementation of UN international legal instruments on outer space, including the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and related agreements.
A key area of UNOOSA’s work is the creation of conditions for the use of outer space for the benefit of the entire international community. The Office implements the UN Programme on Space Applications, supports capacity-building, knowledge- and technology-sharing, and expands the practical use of space science in support of sustainable socio-economic development, primarily in developing countries.
👉 We note that today UNOOSA continues to play an important role in strengthening equal and responsible cooperation between established spacefaring nations and states that are only beginning to develop their own space programmes, helping to reduce disparities in access to space technologies and services.
🇷🇺 As continuator to the USSR, which opened the space era, Russia consistently upholds the principle that outer space is the common heritage of humankind and must be used on an equal, non-discriminatory basis and exclusively for peaceful purposes. We expect the international community to make every effort to preserve outer space free from confrontation – in the interests of security and sustainable development for present and future generations.
💬 Excerpt from the statement delivered by Deputy Head of the Russian delegation to the First Committee of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Konstantin Vorontsov (November 3, 2025, New York)
As a responsible space actor and the author of initiatives aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space (#PAROS), the Russian Federation makes a substantial contribution to keeping outer space free of weapons and to preventing its transformation into yet another arena of tension and armed confrontation.
Our principled position remains unchanged – this objective can be achieved only through the development of a multilateral, legally binding instrument of a comprehensive nature, specifically aimed at PAROS.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova regarding the remarks of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on US “space dominance” (March 19, 2026)
💬 The US policy in the field of space exploration and space security is becoming increasingly aggressive. Officials in Washington openly declare ambitions to achieve military dominance in outer space.
A vivid example is the remarks by the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, delivered during his “Arsenal of Freedom” tour of US defense enterprises.
In particular, the ambitious goal of ensuring absolute and unquestionable US dominance in outer space has been set. Outer space is declared as “the single most decisive battlefield of this century and centuries to come”, the fight for which becomes “the fight for the future of the world”. According to Washington, “whoever controls the high ground controls the fight”. At the same time, the possibility of “orbital equity” or “parity” of states is categorically rejected.
Thus, this confirms our concerns regarding the rapidly deteriorating situation in the field of space security and the increasing risk of outer space being transformed into an arena of armed confrontation. One can clearly see Washington’s determination to promptly implement dangerous doctrinal principles. Space supremacy is regarded by the US as a guarantee of achieving advantage in any conflict against any potential enemy. The US plans to deploy weapon systems in outer space are beginning to take real shape.
It is clear that such actions should not remain without a response from the international community. The implementation by Washington of its course to deploy and build up force capabilities in near-Earth orbit could lead to an arms race in outer space, as well as undermine global security and strategic stability.
❗️ At the same time, the US ignores the obvious: any armed conflict in orbit will have catastrophic consequences for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and prospects for space exploration for all states without exception.
We have not yet passed “the point of no return” in keeping outer space peaceful and free of weapons and conflicts.
Much depends on urgent and coordinated actions of the international community. Today, initiatives on the prevention of an arms race in outer space (#PAROS), primarily on elaborating a relevant international legally binding instrument, are more in demand than ever. The Russian-Chinese draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space, as well as the threat or use of force against outer space objects, can serve as its basis. An important intermediate step towards such a legally binding instrument on PAROS is the international initiative/political commitment of “No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space”, which already comprises 37 states.
☝️ We will continue constructive efforts to enhance space security in the interests of all humankind.
💬 The US policy in the field of space exploration and space security is becoming increasingly aggressive. Officials in Washington openly declare ambitions to achieve military dominance in outer space.
A vivid example is the remarks by the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, delivered during his “Arsenal of Freedom” tour of US defense enterprises.
In particular, the ambitious goal of ensuring absolute and unquestionable US dominance in outer space has been set. Outer space is declared as “the single most decisive battlefield of this century and centuries to come”, the fight for which becomes “the fight for the future of the world”. According to Washington, “whoever controls the high ground controls the fight”. At the same time, the possibility of “orbital equity” or “parity” of states is categorically rejected.
Thus, this confirms our concerns regarding the rapidly deteriorating situation in the field of space security and the increasing risk of outer space being transformed into an arena of armed confrontation. One can clearly see Washington’s determination to promptly implement dangerous doctrinal principles. Space supremacy is regarded by the US as a guarantee of achieving advantage in any conflict against any potential enemy. The US plans to deploy weapon systems in outer space are beginning to take real shape.
It is clear that such actions should not remain without a response from the international community. The implementation by Washington of its course to deploy and build up force capabilities in near-Earth orbit could lead to an arms race in outer space, as well as undermine global security and strategic stability.
❗️ At the same time, the US ignores the obvious: any armed conflict in orbit will have catastrophic consequences for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and prospects for space exploration for all states without exception.
We have not yet passed “the point of no return” in keeping outer space peaceful and free of weapons and conflicts.
Much depends on urgent and coordinated actions of the international community. Today, initiatives on the prevention of an arms race in outer space (#PAROS), primarily on elaborating a relevant international legally binding instrument, are more in demand than ever. The Russian-Chinese draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space, as well as the threat or use of force against outer space objects, can serve as its basis. An important intermediate step towards such a legally binding instrument on PAROS is the international initiative/political commitment of “No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space”, which already comprises 37 states.
☝️ We will continue constructive efforts to enhance space security in the interests of all humankind.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement by Deputy Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation, Deputy Director of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Konstantin Vorontsov at the thematic discussion on "Outer Space (Disarmament Aspects)" in the First Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (New York, October 20, 2026)
💬 The Russian Federation consistently advocates for keeping outer space free of weapons of any kind and preventing it from turning into another area of an armed confrontation.
The situation in space security is rapidly deteriorating. The risks of turning outer space into a springboard for aggression and war are becoming unprecedentedly high as a result of the implementation by the US and its allies of a destructive course to place weapons in orbit and use outer space for combat operations in order to ensure their global dominance and superiority.
Recent statements by US Air Force Secretary T.Meink regarding the possession of “on-orbit weapons” and by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman D.Kane about possible combat operations in “cislunar space” indicate that Washington’s aggressive space-weapon ambitions are moving into practical implementation. <...>
Another evidence of the aggressive character of Washington's space activities is the “Golden Dome” project, which involves the development of components of the global deeply layered and multi-domain missile defense system, including the orbital deployment of interceptors. <...>
There is no slowing down of the extremely dangerous trend when NATO countries use space constellations declared as systems for civilian (including commercial) purposes to support combat operations of foreign armed forces and to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states. This in fact constitutes the indirect participation in armed conflicts. <...>
❗️ We call upon delegations to give a proper assessment to the aggressive space-weapon ambitions of the US.
Only coordinated efforts by the international community can stop the disastrous arms race in outer space, which is approaching the point of no return due to Washington’s efforts.
The Russian Federation is convinced that at the current stage there is still an opportunity to prevent this negative scenario. <...>
👉 We would like to recall our valid specific proposals
Without reliable guarantees to keep outer space free of weapons, enshrined in an international legally-binding instrument on the prevention of an arms race in outer space (#PAROS), it is pointless to address issues related to the peaceful uses of outer space and ensuring safety and security of outer space activities. <...>
The international initiative/political commitment of No first placement of weapons in outer space (#NFP) remains highly relevant in order to support the international peace, to ensure the equal and indivisible security for all, as well as to increase the predictability and sustainability of the activities of States in exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. The number of full-fledged NFP participants has reached 37.
👉 We call on all UN Member States to support efforts to universalize this initiative and to undertake this political commitment.
***
The Russian Federation is hereby submitting draft UNGA resolutions "No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space" and "Further Practical Steps on PAROS", as well as draft UNGA decision "Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Outer Space Activities" for consideration by the First Committee.
In preparing these documents, we took into account best practices in the field of PAROS, as well as the outcomes of various specialized multilateral formats. These drafts are aimed at achieving the goal of PAROS and keeping outer space peaceful and free of weapons and conflicts for the benefit of future generations.
☝️ We are calling on all States to support our documents and cosponsor them.
Read in full
💬 The Russian Federation consistently advocates for keeping outer space free of weapons of any kind and preventing it from turning into another area of an armed confrontation.
The situation in space security is rapidly deteriorating. The risks of turning outer space into a springboard for aggression and war are becoming unprecedentedly high as a result of the implementation by the US and its allies of a destructive course to place weapons in orbit and use outer space for combat operations in order to ensure their global dominance and superiority.
Recent statements by US Air Force Secretary T.Meink regarding the possession of “on-orbit weapons” and by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman D.Kane about possible combat operations in “cislunar space” indicate that Washington’s aggressive space-weapon ambitions are moving into practical implementation. <...>
Another evidence of the aggressive character of Washington's space activities is the “Golden Dome” project, which involves the development of components of the global deeply layered and multi-domain missile defense system, including the orbital deployment of interceptors. <...>
There is no slowing down of the extremely dangerous trend when NATO countries use space constellations declared as systems for civilian (including commercial) purposes to support combat operations of foreign armed forces and to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states. This in fact constitutes the indirect participation in armed conflicts. <...>
❗️ We call upon delegations to give a proper assessment to the aggressive space-weapon ambitions of the US.
Only coordinated efforts by the international community can stop the disastrous arms race in outer space, which is approaching the point of no return due to Washington’s efforts.
The Russian Federation is convinced that at the current stage there is still an opportunity to prevent this negative scenario. <...>
👉 We would like to recall our valid specific proposals
Without reliable guarantees to keep outer space free of weapons, enshrined in an international legally-binding instrument on the prevention of an arms race in outer space (#PAROS), it is pointless to address issues related to the peaceful uses of outer space and ensuring safety and security of outer space activities. <...>
The international initiative/political commitment of No first placement of weapons in outer space (#NFP) remains highly relevant in order to support the international peace, to ensure the equal and indivisible security for all, as well as to increase the predictability and sustainability of the activities of States in exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. The number of full-fledged NFP participants has reached 37.
👉 We call on all UN Member States to support efforts to universalize this initiative and to undertake this political commitment.
***
The Russian Federation is hereby submitting draft UNGA resolutions "No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space" and "Further Practical Steps on PAROS", as well as draft UNGA decision "Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Outer Space Activities" for consideration by the First Committee.
In preparing these documents, we took into account best practices in the field of PAROS, as well as the outcomes of various specialized multilateral formats. These drafts are aimed at achieving the goal of PAROS and keeping outer space peaceful and free of weapons and conflicts for the benefit of future generations.
☝️ We are calling on all States to support our documents and cosponsor them.
Read in full