🎙 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