Mr. President,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statements delivered by the European Union and by New Zealand on behalf of a group of States. We would also like to make a statement in our national capacity.

Today, the UN General Assembly meets again within the “Veto Initiative”, because Russia continues to abuse its illegitimate presence in the Security Council's permanent seat, by undermining the authority of this body in maintaining international peace and security.

On 24 April 2024, Russia vetoed the draft resolution tabled by Japan and the United States, which would be the first ever resolution on outer space to be adopted by the Security Council.

The draft Security Council resolution on outer space blocked by Russia would reaffirm the obligations of all States Parties not to place any objects carrying nuclear weapons, or other weapons of mass destruction, in orbit around Earth, in compliance with the Outer Space Treaty.

The draft resolution paid particular focus on the prohibition of development of nuclear weapons specifically designed for placement in outer space. Moreover, the document would have helped prevent the catastrophic consequences of a potential nuclear detonation in space, which could destroy satellites that are vital to the socio-economic activities on the Earth.

Let me also stress that the draft resolution has been supported and co-sponsored by a large cross-regional group of 65 Member States.

Mr. President, 

Ukraine reaffirms that the existing international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, as well as international humanitarian law, are applicable in outer space.

The 1967 Treaty remains a cornerstone of the legal regime governing the outer space activity. However, as of today, only 115 States are parties to this Treaty.

Throughout the last years the international community has witnessed an increase of security threats endangering the long-term sustainability of the space environment.

Certain states have demonstrated new hostile and dangerous space capabilities. In particular, in 2021 Russia conducted the destructive test in using ground-launched, direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles, which led to the space debris in the low orbit of Earth.

Given Russia’s persistent violations of arms control obligations and its destabilizing policy towards different States, as well as the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, we believe that Moscow’s veto of the draft UN Security Council resolution indicates that it is hiding something from the international community and may at any point take destructive steps contrary to its legally-binding obligations under the Outer Space Treaty.

We cannot agree with the views that the issue of outer space security, especially the placement of weapons of mass destruction, should be discussed exclusively in the UN General Assembly and its subsidiary organs and the Conference on Disarmament.

In this regard, it is important to stress that the Security Council has primary responsibility to address the threats to international peace and security, including those stemming from nuclear weapons or other WMDs specifically designed for placement in outer space.

In conclusion, Mr. President, Ukraine will continue advocating effective measures at an international level aimed at improving outer space security, and preventing the militarization of this domain.

 Thank you, Mr. President.