Russia has been accused of developing an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon that could disable satellites in orbit, threatening vital infrastructure such as power grids and communication networks.
The United Nations Security Council is considering a resolution to ban the deployment of weapons in space, including nuclear weapons.
The United States and Russia are expected to clash at the UN Security Council over the issue of space weaponization, with the US seeking to prevent an arms race in space.
US intelligence suggests that Russia may be developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon that could disrupt satellite services, including military communications and GPS navigation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated Russias opposition to the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, but some experts speculate that Russia may consider using space assets as weapons in its conflict with Ukraine.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits signatory countries, including Russia and the US, from placing objects carrying nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction into Earths orbit.
Russia is expected to block the UNSC resolution on space weaponization, arguing that it is unbalanced and undermines the Outer Space Treaty legal regime.
Russia and China have proposed an amendment to the UNSC resolution that echoes a previous proposal for a treaty banning weapons in outer space.
The deployment of space weapons could have severe consequences, disrupting critical infrastructure, escalating tensions between nuclear powers, and potentially triggering a space arms race.