�� Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova regarding the remarks of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on US “space dominance” (March 19, 2026)

�� The US policy in the field of space exploration and space security is becoming increasingly aggressive. Officials in Washington openly declare ambitions to achieve military dominance in outer space.

A vivid example is the remarks by the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, delivered during his “Arsenal of Freedom” tour of US defense enterprises.

In particular, the ambitious goal of ensuring absolute and unquestionable US dominance in outer space has been set. Outer space is declared as “the single most decisive battlefield of this century and centuries to come”, the fight for which becomes “the fight for the future of the world”. According to Washington, “whoever controls the high ground controls the fight”. At the same time, the possibility of “orbital equity” or “parity” of states is categorically rejected.

Thus, this confirms our concerns regarding the rapidly deteriorating situation in the field of space security and the increasing risk of outer space being transformed into an arena of armed confrontation. One can clearly see Washington’s determination to promptly implement dangerous doctrinal principles. Space supremacy is regarded by the US as a guarantee of achieving advantage in any conflict against any potential enemy. The US plans to deploy weapon systems in outer space are beginning to take real shape.

It is clear that such actions should not remain without a response from the international community. The implementation by Washington of its course to deploy and build up force capabilities in near-Earth orbit could lead to an arms race in outer space, as well as undermine global security and strategic stability.

❗️ At the same time, the US ignores the obvious: any armed conflict in orbit will have catastrophic consequences for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and prospects for space exploration for all states without exception.

We have not yet passed “the point of no return” in keeping outer space peaceful and free of weapons and conflicts.

Much depends on urgent and coordinated actions of the international community. Today, initiatives on the prevention of an arms race in outer space (#PAROS), primarily on elaborating a relevant international legally binding instrument, are more in demand than ever. The Russian-Chinese draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space, as well as the threat or use of force against outer space objects, can serve as its basis. An important intermediate step towards such a legally binding instrument on PAROS is the international initiative/political commitment of “No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space”, which already comprises 37 states.

☝️ We will continue constructive efforts to enhance space security in the interests of all humankind.