Adrian JohnsonTLDR:
- The White House has confirmed that Russia is developing “anti-satellite capability,”
- However, it does not currently pose an immediate threat.
The White House has confirmed that Russia is developing “anti-satellite capability,” but has stated that it does not currently present an immediate threat. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby assured reporters that while Russia’s pursuit of this capability is troubling, it cannot be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction on Earth. Kirby emphasized that the United States has been closely monitoring Russian activity and will continue to take it very seriously. This confirmation follows a request by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner for President Joe Biden to declassify information on what he considers a serious national security threat from Russia.
Previously, media reports indicated that the threat from Russia was possibly a nuclear device that could be launched into orbit to knock out Western satellite systems. However, Kirby stated that intelligence officials have serious concerns about broad declassification of the potential threat and are currently choosing to privately disclose information before making it public. Kirby also mentioned that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to meet with House leadership and committee chairs to brief them on the latest intelligence.
President Biden has been fully informed of the situation and has already directed several initial actions, including direct briefings with congressional leaders and direct communication with Russia and U.S. allies. The National Security Council also plans to brief the Senate when it is back in session later this month. The development of “anti-satellite capability” by Russia is of significant concern to the United States, and the government is taking steps to address the issue and ensure the safety of its satellite systems.
