Adrian JohnsonTLDR:
- The White House has confirmed that Russia is developing “anti-satellite capability,” but stated that it does not currently pose an immediate threat.
- The National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, emphasized that Russia’s pursuit of this capability is concerning and that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation.
- House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner had previously urged President Joe Biden to declassify information regarding the threat from Russia.
- There were reports suggesting that Russia could be developing a nuclear device to knock out Western satellite systems, which would violate the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
- The White House has reassured that President Biden has been fully informed and has directed initial actions, including briefings with congressional leaders and direct communication with Russia and U.S. allies.
The White House has confirmed that Russia is developing “anti-satellite capability,” although it does not currently pose an immediate threat. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby explained that while Russia’s pursuit of this capability is troubling, it is not a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction on Earth. However, the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner had previously requested President Joe Biden to declassify information about what he described as a serious national security threat from Russia. Reports at the time had indicated that the threat could involve a nuclear device launched into orbit by the Russian government to disrupt Western satellite systems. Such activity would be in violation of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which both the United States and Russia have ratified.
Intelligence officials have expressed serious concerns about the broad declassification of the potential threat and have chosen to privately disclose information rather than immediately making it public. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was scheduled to meet with House leadership and committee chairs to brief them on the latest intelligence, and the National Security Council plans to brief the Senate when it is back in session on February 25.
President Biden has been fully informed about the situation and has directed a series of initial actions, including direct briefings with congressional leaders and direct communications with Russia and U.S. allies. The U.S. government is committed to closely monitoring and addressing any developments related to Russia’s “anti-satellite capability.”
Overall, this confirmation by the White House underscores the ongoing concerns about Russia’s capabilities and actions in space. The development of “anti-satellite capability” could have significant implications for national security and global communications systems. As such, it is essential for the U.S. to continue closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures to protect its interests.
