A US congressman makes an unusual statement sparking wild speculation about a threat to national security. Shortly afterwards, US media reported that Moscow was talking about new plans for nuclear weapons in space.
According to media reports, US intelligence agencies have gathered information about Russia’s new nuclear ambitions in space. Several US media outlets, including the “New York Times” and the ABC and Fox News channels, reported unanimously on Wednesday evening (local time) that it was about new findings about Russian nuclear capabilities that are directed against satellites in space and thus pose a threat to that could represent national and international security.
The New York Times wrote that the US had informed Congress and allies in Europe about Moscow’s plans. Such new Russian nuclear capabilities are still being developed and have not yet been used. There is therefore no acute danger. Fox News reported that using nuclear systems against satellites could potentially eliminate US military communications and intelligence. There was initially no official confirmation of the reports.
A parliamentarian stirs up wild speculation about nuclear weapons
Previously, a member of the US Congress had sparked speculation in an unusual way about a possible threat to the United States. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner released a statement Wednesday saying his committee had “provided information about a serious threat to national security” to all members of Congress.
He further wrote that he is calling on US President Joe Biden to release all information on this threat so that Congress, the government and allies can openly discuss countermeasures. The Republican did not specify what type of threat it was and the cryptic message paved the way for all sorts of speculation. The media reports on Russia followed shortly afterwards.
Biden’s security advisor Jake Sullivan only confirmed when asked at a press conference in the White House – after the publication of Turner’s statement and before the publication of the media reports – that he had scheduled a briefing of the so-called “Gang of Eight” for Thursday. The “Gang of Eight” includes high-ranking members of Congress from both parties who can be briefed by the president on intelligence activities and covert operations. Sullivan said he was somewhat surprised that Turner spoke publicly about the issue before the meeting. He did not respond to several questions about what type of threat it was.
Attempts at appeasement from parliament
Several House Democrats, who are privy to this type of intelligence, sought to calm the general excitement following Turner’s statement. They emphasized – without going into detail about the content – that this was a serious matter, but by no means an acute crisis.
The Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, also assured: “There is no reason for public alarm.” Other MPs sharply criticized Turner’s unusual statement and questioned his suitability as head of the Intelligence Committee.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has not yet received any information that Russia may want to station nuclear anti-satellite weapons in space. “As far as I know, these reports are very, very new, at least for me,” said the SPD politician on Thursday on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. We will discuss this with our partners. Pistorius warned against giving hasty answers or thinking you have them. “We have to weigh that up. We have to clarify the technical questions and then see what the conclusions are,” said the minister.
Note: This article has been updated with additional information.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
