US worries Russia wants to deploy nuclear weapons in space to destroy Western satellites: report

The United States has notified Congress and European allies of new intelligence related to Russia’s nuclear capabilities that could pose a serious threat, according to the latest U.S. intelligence.

The intelligence came to light after Rep. Mike Turner, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, issued a vague statement on Wednesday warning of a “serious national security threat.” A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that new capabilities related to the development of space-based weapons do not pose an imminent threat to the United States.

“Decrypt all information”

The warning is related to Russia’s space capabilities, related to satellites. However, US media reported that the problem is serious, but has nothing to do with active capabilities and should not cause panic. “I am asking President Biden to declassify all information related to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions needed to address this threat,” Turner said in a statement.

Citing a current and a former U.S. official, New York Times Previous reports stated that the new intelligence was related to Russia’s attempts to develop space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapons. ABC News earlier reported intelligence links to the capability. Current and former officials said the nuclear weapon did not enter orbit.

Turner’s statement comes as Congress debates how the United States should respond to global threats from Russia and other rivals, with security hawks urging greater global engagement, some with ties to Republican former President Donald Trump The closest MPs advocated a more isolationist “policy”. “America First” approach to world affairs.

Turner recently returned from a trip to Ukraine leading a bipartisan congressional delegation, and has since warned lawmakers that time is running out for Ukraine to fight its Russian aggressors. The Biden administration has been stepping up criticism of House Republicans for potentially blocking Senate passage of a $95 billion bill to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters at the Capitol that there was no need to cause public panic. “Keep a steady hand on the wheel. We’re working on this, there’s no need to panic,” he said. Senators Mark Warner, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Marco Rubio, the Republican vice chairman, issued a joint statement saying that their panels had relevant intelligence and had been “rigorously” tracking the issue.

President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan declined to provide specific details. He said he had scheduled a Thursday briefing with congressional leaders, government intelligence and defense professionals and that he was surprised by Turner’s decision to issue a statement. “I can’t say anything more today,” Sullivan told a news conference. “Like I said, I look forward to discussions with (Turner) and obviously we’ll decide how to proceed, but I can’t share anything further from the podium today.”

(Institutional investment)