Russia fails in rival UN bid on nuclear weapons in space

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A Russian-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution that called on all countries to prevent "for all time" the placement, threat or use of weapons in outer space failed on Monday with the 15-member body split over the move.

The draft failed to get the minimum nine votes needed - seven members voted in favor of the draft, seven against, while one abstained. A veto can only be cast by the United States, Russia, China, Britain or France if a draft gets at least nine votes.

Russia put forward the text after it vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution last month that called on countries to prevent an arms race in outer space. The Russian veto prompted the United States to question if Moscow was hiding something.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols)

By Michelle Nichols