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According to U.S. officials, the United States has disclosed new intelligence regarding Russia’s efforts to develop a space-based nuclear weapon. This development, while not considered an immediate threat to U.S. security, underscores a growing concern over international safety and the potential for a new dimension in nuclear capabilities.
Representative Mike Turner, the Republican chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, highlighted the significance of the situation with a statement alerting to a “serious national security threat.” Although the specifics of the threat were not disclosed, it was later clarified that the concerns pertain to Russian advancements in satellite technology.
Turner called for the Biden administration to “declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the administration and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat.” He also said his committee voted Tuesday to make certain information related to the threat available to all members of Congress. President Biden when asked by a reporter on Wednesday about Russia’s nuclear capabilities, he avoided answering saying “Happy Valentine’s Day!”.
ABC News has reported that Russia’s plans to put a nuclear weapon in space would aim for potentially targeting satellites, not to be deployed against other nations. However, according to Jon Wolfsthal, Director of Global Risk at the Federation of American Scientists, such an attempt by Russia would violate an existing multilateral agreement. He also added that Russia doesn’t need a nuclear weapon to damage satellites.
