The Kremlin says it has replaced the contentious head of its space agency, a man who had repeatedly threatened Russia would abandon the International Space Station if sanctions aren't lifted.
The move is the latest in a series of rare developments after tension on the ground in Ukraine reached new heights as it hit the International Space Station .
Historically, the ISS has been a beacon of international co-operation — and a place that's supposed to be free of politics.Russia snubs space station partners over Ukraine war tensionsRussia is giving its partners in the International Space Station the cold shoulder over tensions caused by the war in Ukraine. Images circulating of Russian cosmonauts holding up flags in support of pro-Russian separatists prompted rare statements from space agencies in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
"Using the International Space Station as a vehicle for political purposes is definitely not a good thing to do," he said. "You can't undo it now. It's been done… It's very regrettable, because it detracts from the one area of international co-operation." "I think you always have to always have your eyes open," Garneau said. "The ball is in Russia's court … They're the ones that I believe are ultimately the only ones that might initiate a breakup."Pavel Luzin, a Russian space policy expert, said the ISS can survive without Russia and international partners should cut ties.
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