Russia refutes American claims of plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared emphatically that Moscow has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space, stating that his country's space capabilities merely mirror those of the United States.

This statement from Putin is a reaction to last week's reports from the United States. The American media alleged on Wednesday that US intelligence has information concerning Russia's plans to set up an anti-satellite nuclear system in space. On the following day, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, labeled Moscow's pursuit of anti-satellite weapons as "disturbing." He noted, however, that the Kremlin's current capabilities do not pose a "direct threat to anyone's safety", as this weapon is not ready for use. He further highlighted that deploying such a weapon would breach the treaty concerning outer space.

"Our position is clear and unambiguous: we have always been and remain opposed to the placement of nuclear weapons in space," Putin declared on Tuesday. "We encourage everyone to adhere to all existing agreements in this domain," he added, alluding to the United States.

Putin stressed that Russia's space capabilities are on par with other nations. "And they are aware of this," he highlighted, pointing to the United States.

According to Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister, the White House knowingly made such accusations to convince Congress to lend support to Ukraine and also to coax Moscow back into negotiations regarding nuclear arms control. This, he said, comes after Russia broke off talks due to heightened tensions with the US over the conflict in Ukraine.

Over 130 countries, Russia included, signed a treaty banning the deployment of "nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction" in orbit or "weapons in space in any form."

Source: TRT World