Representative Mike Turner of the United States House had previously expressed concerns over what he termed as a serious national security threat. The White House has since confirmed that the threat Turner alluded to is related to Russian development of an anti-satellite weapon which is not yet operational. This was confirmed by the US National Security Council’s representative, John Kirby. However, Kirby assured that there is no immediate risk to anyone’s safety as the weapon is still undergoing development. He clarified that the weapon in question can’t be used to attack people or cause physical destruction on earth.
Kirby further added that the development of such an anti-satellite weapon is in violation of international agreements. In light of this development, President Joe Biden has called for direct diplomatic engagement with Russia. Turner, who was serving as the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in the House of Representatives, had demanded that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat during an extraordinary statement on Wednesday. However, the Republican representative declined to offer any further comments on the matter.
US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, has scheduled a meeting with both Democratic and Republican Congressional leaders to discuss this threat. While acknowledging the significance of the classified information, the representatives from both parties have urged calm, stating that there’s no reason for panic. As reported by the US media, the warning was linked to Russia’s ambition to possess a space-bound nuclear weapon. They further clarified that the weapon was not intended for use against ground targets, but possibly against satellites.
However, according to The New York Times, Russia is yet to possess such capabilities. This information comes at a time when US arms aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is stalled in Congress. The aid package, worth tens of billions and already approved by the Senate, has not been put to a vote in the House of Representatives due to disagreements over the country’s internal border policy. Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, believes that the White House is attempting to get Congress to vote on the appropriations bill by any means necessary. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, involved in the nation’s nuclear policy decision-making, accused the US of fantasizing and urged them to provide evidence for their claims. This controversy comes amidst accusations against Russia of irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, which has escalated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both Russia and the United States are signatories to the Outer Space Convention, which prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space.
