The White House responded to reports of Russia’s development of a space-based anti-satellite weapon, labeling the situation as concerning but not an immediate threat. National security spokesman John Kirby addressed the matter, highlighting ongoing US intelligence analysis and consultations with European allies.
Kirby emphasized that while Russia’s pursuit of such a capability raised alarms, the weapon in question was not operational at present. He clarified that the weapon was “space-based” but refrained from commenting on its speculated characteristics, including nuclear capabilities or power source. The White House dismissed assertions of the weapon’s immediate threat to human safety or physical destruction on Earth.
Meanwhile, Moscow dismissed the US claims as a “malicious fabrication” aimed at influencing the passage of a Ukrainian aid package through the House of Representatives. The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the White House’s tactics as attempts to manipulate Congress, challenging the authenticity of the allegations.
The US and the United Kingdom had previously accused Russia of testing a space weapon in 2020, which Moscow refuted as propaganda. Kirby underscored the potential risks posed by the latest weapon, including hazards to astronauts in low orbit and disruptions to critical military and civilian satellites.
Furthermore, Kirby highlighted the violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. He stressed the treaty’s significance, signed by over 130 countries, including Russia and the US.
The situation prompted US President Joe Biden to engage directly with Moscow diplomatically. Republican lawmakers, including Mike Turner and Andy Ogles, raised concerns about the national security threat posed by the weapon, calling for declassification of related information and investigations into the matter’s impact on foreign and domestic policies.
Following a briefing by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Turner expressed confidence in the administration’s seriousness in addressing the issue and affirmed congressional support for proposed measures. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing ongoing collaboration between the administration and Congress in addressing the threat.
The US views Russia and China as primary nation-state competitors, attributing their development of various weapon systems, including nuclear, cyber, and space capabilities, to intensifying geopolitical tensions.
