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John Kirby: No immediate threat to the safety of “anyone”

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Ken Cedeno/EPA

According to the US government, Russia is developing military capabilities for use against satellites in space. This was confirmed by National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby on Thursday in Washington. Kirby explained that he couldn't say anything about the specific nature of this threat, but emphasized that there was no immediate threat to the safety of "anyone." While the pursuit of it is worrying, it is not an "active ability." However, Russia's activities are being monitored and the situation is being taken very seriously.

"We're not talking about a weapon that can attack people or cause physical destruction here on Earth," Kirby said. When asked whether it was a nuclear weapon, a nuclear-powered weapon or a nuclear-capable weapon, Kirby said he could not go into more detail on the question. President Joe Biden ordered a series of initial measures, including direct diplomatic contacts with Russia. He is also in contact with congressional leaders and in contact with allies and countries whose interests are affected.

Washington is in communication with its allies

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also commented. It's not an "active" threat, but one that the US government takes "very, very seriously." The US is talking about this with its allies, Blinken said at a press conference during a visit to Albania.

Several US media outlets, including the New York Times and the ABC and Fox News channels, reported on Russia's new nuclear ambitions in space on Wednesday evening (local time). This involves new findings about Russian nuclear capabilities that are directed against satellites in space and could pose a threat to national and international security.

Previously, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner said his committee had "provided information about a serious threat to national security" to all members of Congress. He called on US President Joe Biden to release all information on this threat.

Kirby rejected Turner's demands. Secret services have “serious concerns” about widespread release of the information. "They also conclude that a much more effective approach could be to start with confidential engagement rather than releasing the information immediately."

The government in Russia denies having such weapons plans. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the Tass news agency, that it was "obvious" that it was a "trick" by the White House to obtain the approval of the House of Representatives for the new Ukraine aid. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who is responsible for nuclear policy, called on the USA to provide evidence for its claims. Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Tass that it corresponds to "the trend of the past ten years for Americans to develop malicious fantasies and attribute all sorts of (...) intentions to us."

The international outer space treaty, which both Russia and the USA have signed, prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons in space.

hen/dpa/AFP/Reuters