Russia’s space agency chief warns of risks of arms race beyond Earth

The head of Russia’s space agency has called for stronger international legal measures to regulate nuclear and military activities in outer space, warning that an arms race beyond Earth could have serious consequences for humanity.

Dmitry Bakanov, director general of Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos, said it was necessary to continue improving international legal instruments as space activities develop, particularly in areas related to nuclear technologies. In an interview with Razvedka magazine, Bakanov warned that an arms race in outer space could prove disastrous for all of humanity.

He said Russia consistently advocates at international forums for maintaining universally recognised principles of international law governing activities in space.

According to Bakanov, Moscow believes outer space should remain free of weapons of any kind or type.

The Roscosmos chief also said that in 2024 Russia proposed drafting an international agreement aimed at preventing an arms race in space by banning the placement of weapons there.

He added that in April 2025, during a meeting of the heads of space agencies from the BRICS member countries, Russia proposed creating a Space Council to help resolve emerging issues more quickly. Bakanov said foreign counterparts had supported the initiative.

By Sabina Mammadli