Canadarm2, The International Space Station's Robotic Arm, Grapples The Orbital Sciences' Cygnus Cargo Craft
The International Space Station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, grapples the Orbital Sciences' Cygnus cargo craft, as seen in this still image taken from NASA TV July 16, 2014. The Orbital Sciences Corp cargo ship reached the International Space Station on Wednesday with a delivery of food, supplies, science experiments and a fleet of tiny Earth-imaging satellites that will be launched from the orbital outpost. Reuters/NASA TV/Handout via Re

Russia and the United States have been engaged in a frosty conflict over the Ukrainian region. Now, it appears the two countries may take their competition to the next level as Russia may create its own space station. Unlike the International Space Station (ISS) which is a collaborative effort from Europe, US and Russia, the latter's plans may purely be a Putin affair.

Despite the near Cold War scenario between the US and Russia these days, the International Space Station remains one of the few entities resulting from the cooperation of the two countries. NASA's Scott Kelly (via Phys) shared that outside the earth's atmosphere, "we rely on each other implicitly for our lives."

"Any political issues that exist between our countries is something we don't even discuss. We're great friends, we're colleagues, we're professionals. That's the way it has to be."

Russia's Mikhail Kornienko, on the other hand, noted: "There is no borders in space between us."

"It's a great example of... working together, especially for politics on the ground."

However, with the recent sanctions over Russia and the continuous bid of the US to mitigate its efforts in the Ukranian region, the cooperation has only remained in the ISS. Space cooperation may even be on the line as Roscosmos chief, Oleg Ostepenko, has discussed plans about building a Russian space station. The project is being "considered" according to Geek. The new space station will serve as an integral part of the country's vision to go to the Moon.

Despite plans, it may be difficult for Russia to start on any project as the trade sanctions have taken a toll on its economy. Its currency has also been struggling against the dollar making it impossible at the moment to engage is large-scale projects as such.

On the West's side, Universe Today reported that NASA and SpaceX want to launch an unmanned cargo to the ISS this December 19. The cargo will be part of the NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.

The cargo mission was supposed to take off this December 16. However, it was moved. NASA released a statement on the saying that this was to "allow SpaceX to take extra time to ensure they do everything possible on the ground to prepare for a successful launch."