The United States questions the analysis claiming Russia intends to place nuclear weapons in space to threaten satellites. This report originates from the New York Times, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
Two of the publication’s interlocutors suggested that President Vladimir Putin might view satellite disruption as a new deterrent, even if it risks affecting Russian systems as well. According to confidential remarks shared with allied governments, Moscow could have tested such a capability as early as 2022, though American intelligence agencies remain skeptical about the claim.
These sources indicate an ongoing split within major institutions on what could unfold next. Some believe Mr. Putin might stage a fake demonstration to keep observers guessing about the authenticity of any action, the NYT notes.
The report emphasizes continued American concern over Russia possibly deploying weapons for space-based use. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has raised warnings to China and India regarding potential threats to their satellites, and Washington has briefed allies about the possibility of Russian actions this year.
Threat to US national security
Multiple outlets reported in February, including the Washington Post, ABC and CNN, based on U.S. intelligence data, that Russia is exploring the placement of nuclear weapons in space to target satellites.
The information was shared with Congress and key U.S. allies. Some members of Congress argued that the data warranted public disclosure due to its significance.
John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the U.S. National Security Council, stated in a White House briefing on February 15 that Russia is actively pursuing anti-satellite capabilities. He stressed that these weapons have not yet been deployed and pose no immediate danger to anyone’s safety.
Direct dialogue
During the briefing, Kirby said President Biden ordered the initiation of direct negotiations with Russia in light of new intelligence about Russian weapons programs.
He added that the discussion would focus on technologies that could be used against space assets rather than weapons intended to harm people on Earth. Washington continues to assess the available information and has reached out to Moscow, though no dates for talks have been set.
Russia’s position
On February 20, President Putin addressed the issue during a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He reaffirmed Russia’s stance against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space and urged adherence to existing agreements while proposing stepped-up cooperation in the field of space security.
Shoigu echoed that Russia has not placed and does not intend to place nuclear weapons in space and that there is no current project to do so. He suggested that the rhetoric from U.S. officials could be aimed at pressuring budget allocations and pushing for dialogue on strategic stability, possibly as a means to restart negotiations that may have stalled.
Earlier in the year, Bloomberg reported on a Space Force assessment highlighting potential threats from both Russia and China, noting active development and testing of anti-satellite weapons by the two nations.
Soon after, in the summer of 2022, Russia proposed an international agreement to prevent an armed space race, calling on UN member states to commit to peaceful space exploration and the avoidance of conflict beyond Earth.
Source attribution for the cited reports is included where applicable.