The position of the Russian Federation on the deployment of weapons in space from the point of view of international law

The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies adopted in 1967 the deployment of any weapons of mass destruction in outer space, but does not stipulate other types of weapons in any way, which creates a significant legal gap. The sufficiently undisclosed principle of using outer space based on «peaceful purposes», which developed in the late 60s of the XX century and is still fundamental in the later applicable part of international space law, leaves States practically free to develop any defensive and offensive military potential that they deem necessary to protect their national security interests in outer space. The arms race that has begun between the largest space-flying powers and the emergence on the world stage of new actors interested in developing their military space potential promise significant threats to the peaceful existence of mankind. During the space exploration, different countries have launched into orbit many vehicles that are counter-space weapons and work in the interests of the military, but the world community can only express its concern and condemn such actions. The article discusses the main approaches to the problem of the use of various types of weapons in space. The author explores various approaches to solving the most significant issues of international law. In this regard, it is necessary to search for new universal ways to ensure national security and regulate the use of weapons placed in outer space. The author points out that there is no differentiation between the limits of the use of outer space for civil and other purposes and other urgent problems in the field of the use of the latest types of weapons.