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WASHINGTON — Russia’s progress in installing space-based weapons to target satellites is “alarming” but does not pose an immediate danger, the White House said Thursday, after top House Republicans raised the issue. The aim is to allay concerns about the national security threat faced by the government.
“This is not a fielded active capability,” said John Kirby, the White House national security communications adviser. “And while it is concerning that Russia is pursuing this particular capability, there is no imminent threat to anyone’s safety. We cannot attack humans or cause physical destruction here on Earth.” I’m not talking about weapons that can be used to
Kirby said Wednesday’s warning from Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, of a “grave national security threat” included “Russia’s anti-satellite It was confirmed that “ability” was included.
Kirby did not confirm that Russia’s objectives included nuclear, but said it was “space-based.”
Two U.S. officials who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter previously told USA TODAY that the United States had received new information about Russia’s desire to place nuclear weapons in space.
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Kirby said the United States is closely monitoring Russia’s efforts to strengthen its anti-satellite capabilities and takes it “very seriously.” He said space-based weapons would violate the Outer Space Treaty, a 1967 agreement signed by more than 130 countries, including Russia, that established international space law.
“Nothing is more important to President Biden than the safety and security of the American people,” Kirby said. “That is his top priority and it will continue to be his top priority as we continue to determine the best next steps.”
US has ‘grave concerns’ about declassifying information about Russia
The Biden administration has “reached out” to Russia regarding information, but “no actual conversations have been secured,” Kirby said.
Mr Kirby took issue with Mr Turner’s decision to release the information, saying: “Unfortunately misinformation has been spread in the public domain.” Turner provided details about the threat in a vaguely worded statement Wednesday ahead of an intelligence briefing for Congressional leaders held by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
“The intelligence community has serious concerns about this widespread declassification of intelligence,” Kirby said. “They also assess that starting with civilian involvement, rather than immediately releasing information, could be a much more effective approach.”
Turner was part of a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers who visited Kyiv last week and vowed to help push security funding through Congress to help Ukraine protect itself from Russia. Thursday marked the second anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
The Senate on Tuesday approved a $95 billion foreign aid bill that includes defense funding for Ukraine and Israel by a vote of 70-29, but Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not consider the bill. Ta.
In a letter Thursday, Rep. Andy Ogles, a hardline Republican from Tennessee, urged Mr. Johnson to launch an investigation into Mr. Turner’s “reckless disregard” for raising alarm over the intelligence community.
“It became clear that the intent was not to ensure the safety of the homeland and the American people, but rather to secure additional funding for Ukraine and the passage of an unreformed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). ” Ogles wrote.
Thursday’s meeting with Mr. Sullivan and members of Congress will include Mr. Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Mr. Turner, and Rep. Jim Himes (D), the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee, due to the Senate’s absence. Only four members of the Democratic and Republican House leadership from Washington, D.C. (Connecticut) were scheduled to participate. of the session.
Contact Joey Garrison at X (formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison).
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