Gatilov: The dangers of space turning into an arena for armed conflict are no longer just assumptions

“In light of the general deterioration of the international political situation, the situation in the field of military and space security continues to deteriorate,” Gatilov said at the plenary session of the Conference on Disarmament. “The risks of outer space turning into an arena of armed conflict are no longer mere assumptions.”

He pointed out that some Western countries and blocs, in their space policy documents, directly describe near-Earth space as “another operational environment” in which military operations can take place.

He added that some Western countries, “based on the goal of global hegemony, have begun large-scale programs to develop weapons systems for use in space.”

He also pointed out that the increasing use of satellite systems, declared to be for civilian use, to support military operations and interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states, has become a serious threat.

He continued: "This development may lead to further destabilization of the international situation and the creation of new dividing lines, prompting other countries to take retaliatory measures, which ultimately threatens to launch an arms race, this time in outer space. Its consequences will be dire for all of humanity."

Gatilov stressed that Russia considers preventing such a scenario to occur as a top priority for the international community.