Russia on the way to space without weapons: problems and achievements

Оn concrete steps and initiatives of Russia on the prevention of arms race in space (PAROS) and obstacles on this way, on approaches of the key space fairing western states towards these initiatives. use of outer space for military purposes. The article asserts that the real international legal barrier on the way of transforming space into the «battle fi eld» are called to be legally binding agreements in this fi eld. The article presents analysis on the key elements of eventual international instrument on PAROS, in particular, basic defi nitions and stipulations which could lay the basis of corresponding international document as well as peculiarities of other initiatives and proposals targeted to achieving this aim — Russia's proposal concerning a Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space, the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects (PPWT), which provides for a ban on the placement of weapons of any kind in outer space and on any use of force against space objects, the initial draft of which was submitted jointly with China within the Conference on Disarmament back in 2008, political commitment not to be the fi rst to place weapons in outer space (NFP) and transparency and confi dence building measures (TCBMs). The article evaluates the activities of the USA and their allies in their attempts to devaluate the initiatives of Russia and likeminded countries in this fi eld and to channel international eff orts in the stream which suits there strategic interests. The article postulates that doctrines, practical measures and science and technology elaborations of the USA, France and NATO as a whole in the fi eld of militarization of space brings closer the stage of a qualitative arms race in outer space. The article asserts that despite the window of opportunities for the preventive diplomatic measures being narrowed, practical eff orts for PAROS should be continued.