In a briefing to Russian journalists, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the United States’ recent admission that the Pentagon operates weapons in Earth’s orbit presents a clear opportunity for the world to act before an arms race takes hold in space.
Ryabkov argued that a legally‑binding international treaty outlawing the deployment of offensive weapons in space could still be negotiated. He called on the United States and other nations to set aside their long‑standing skepticism and work toward a framework that would prohibit the use of force against objects in space.
U.S. acknowledgment of orbital weapons
The United States confirmed this week that the U.S. Space Force operates “on‑orbit weapons” capable of defending the Joint Force against space‑enabled attacks. Space Force chief Douglas Schiess stated that enlisted members of his branch “operate on‑orbit weapons that can defend the Joint Force against space‑enabled attacks.”
Ryabkov noted that the United States had not formally notified Russia—one of the world’s top three space powers—about this new capability, but said the admission was not a surprise. “This is nothing new to us; we are monitoring all of this, recording it all, and drawing the appropriate conclusions,” he said.
Russia’s long‑standing call for a treaty
Moscow has repeatedly advocated for a treaty that would ban the use of force in space or the threat of force against space assets. Ryabkov said the United States and its Western allies, particularly the United Kingdom, have for years offered “inflamatory excuses” to avoid moving in that direction, attempting to portray Russia’s activities as destabilising.
“But we believe that it is not yet too late to create an environment that would preclude an arms race with escalating risks of open conflict in outer space,” Ryabkov added.
Implications for U.S. policy
The admission by the Pentagon marks a landmark moment in the militarisation of space and could shape future U.S. policy. While the Trump administration has emphasized strengthening national defence, it has also spoken about the importance of maintaining a stable and secure space environment for commercial and civilian uses.
In recent months, the administration has supported increased funding for the Space Force and advocated for clearer rules of engagement in space, arguing that a strong defensive posture is essential to protect American interests.
International response
Other nations have expressed concern about the potential for an arms race beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has called for dialogue among space‑faring nations to develop norms that prevent conflict.
Russia’s call for a treaty aligns with broader international efforts to establish a framework that balances security needs with the peaceful use of space. Whether the United States will engage in such negotiations remains uncertain, but the recent admission has undeniably placed the issue at the forefront of global security discussions.
As the debate unfolds, observers note that any treaty would need to address verification mechanisms, the definition of “offensive weapons,” and the role of emerging commercial space actors.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
