Ukraine and 40 countries call for advance warnings before ballistic missile launches
Ballistic missile launch (photo: Getty Images)
The governments of 41 countries, including Ukraine and the United States, called for notifications of test launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to the US Mission to the United Nations.
The joint statement was published due to missile testing activity in the Pacific region. As noted in the document, no warnings were issued about these launches, which did not comply with accepted international standards.
Against this backdrop, the signatories called on all countries (especially states with nuclear arsenals) to provide at least 24 hours' notice of tests. This rule should apply to launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and space launch vehicles (SLVs).
In addition, the initiators of the statement ask launch organizers to specify:
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The exact class of missile;
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The launch area and flight direction;
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Impact or landing zones to warn sailors and pilots in advance.
The statement emphasizes that launching missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead without detailed information is an extremely dangerous step. It directly threatens the peace and security of countries located near the testing sites.
"Regularized, transparent notification arrangements do not constrain any nation's military development or operational needs. Instead, they reduce the risk of miscalculation, build confidence, and reflect a shared commitment to security," the statement says.
The signatory states also emphasized their readiness to hold accountable any state whose actions contradict these obligations.
On August 11, the same day the joint statement was published, China carried out an unsuccessful launch of a carrier rocket. It exploded in the air shortly after launch.
Pyongyang demonstratively launched ballistic missiles toward the East Sea amid planned joint military exercises by South Korea and the United States.
In this way, North Korea is trying to demonstrate its readiness for a possible escalation and send a signal to its adversaries.
