(RepublicanPress.org) – On February 14, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) issued a warning to the public, stating that he learned of a “serious national security threat.” The next day, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told Americans that Turner’s concerning message was about Russia developing an “anti-satellite capability,” but it had not been deployed, and the US was keeping a watchful eye.
On February 22, CBS News reported that a US official confirmed the Biden administration warned the Russian government not to deploy a nuclear-capable anti-satellite weapon into space. During the briefing a week earlier by Kirby, reporters pushed him on for information about whether or not the anti-satellite technology from Russia was nuclear-capable. He refused to release any details about the Russian device but assured there was “no immediate threat” to Americans.
The Biden administration recently issued direct warnings to the Russian government against deploying a nuclear-capable anti-satellite weapon, U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News. https://t.co/Kf6xIVvio4
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 24, 2024
According to CBS News, if Russia launched an anti-satellite into space, that would violate the Outer Space Treaty. The 1967 agreement between the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation set a framework for international space law. The governments agreed to allow free space exploration, to keep it peaceful, and to keep nuclear weapons or other mass destruction weapons out of space.
US News reported that Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the rumors that Russia was working on an anti-satellite weapon with nuclear capabilities. He said that information came from the White House to force Congress to send more money to Ukraine. Currently, Republicans are blocking any further aid to the warring nation.
A reporter asked Kirby about the accusation during the briefing at the White House. The advisor responded to the Kremlin’s claims with one word — a British slang term used to convey annoyance or frustration.
It’s unclear whether Turner had permission to release his cryptic message to the American people the way he did. However, Kirby indicated his actions could have complicated talks about the issue between the US and Russia.
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