Moscow: The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed deep concern over the escalating risk of outer space becoming a battleground for conflict. "We see an increasing threat of outer space serving as a launchpad for aggression and war," Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Konstantin Vorontsov said at a meeting of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly.

According to Qatar News Agency, Vorontsov highlighted that certain Western countries are advancing plans to deploy weapons in space, identifying the United States as a prime example. He noted that these plans are part of an initiative focused on the comprehensive development of missile defense systems, including orbital interception capabilities.

Vorontsov warned that such developments could lead to significant destabilization and spark an arms race in outer space. He emphasized the importance of preventing a full-scale arms race, calling for the development of universal, legally binding norms to prohibit the placement of weapons in space and the use of force against space assets.

He pointed out Russia's efforts, including the updated Russian-Chinese draft treaty aimed at preventing the placement of weapons in outer space, along with an international initiative advocating for no first deployment of weapons in space. Notably, 37 countries have joined this initiative.

Vorontsov also announced that Russia has submitted three draft resolutions on space security to the First Committee, urging all nations to support these proposals.