White House confirms Russia's pursuit of "anti-satellite capability," calls it a "serious national security concern" – but that's been public knowledge since February 2023
By richardbrown // 2024-02-19
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Sources familiar with Capitol Hill deliberations recently revealed an intelligence report suggesting Russia's interest in deploying into space a nuclear weapon specifically designed for satellite destruction. The question arises whether this revelation will trigger an increased crackdown on those sympathetic to Russia or prompt a return to mail-in ballots for Americans, invoking fears of Russian space nukes. On Feb. 15, White House officials confirmed reports of Russia's pursuit of an "anti-satellite capability," acknowledging it as a serious national security concern. However, they emphasized that it is not an immediate threat to Americans' safety. U.S. defense and intelligence agencies have also been aware of the threat for at least over a year now, with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) highlighting Russia's ongoing efforts to train military space elements and develop anti-satellite weapons in the annual threat assessment released in February last year. Robert Soofer, former nuclear policy official at the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) noted that discussions on Russian and Chinese anti-satellite capabilities have been ongoing. Targeting U.S. satellite networks could disrupt civilian communications, surveillance, telecommunications and geo-location systems crucial for the military. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) sought to allay public concerns, emphasizing the absence of a need for public alarm while addressing the matter as a classified, sensitive issue. The public appeared to dismiss the reported threat as a distraction. House Intelligence Committee (HIC) Chair Mike Turner's (R-OH) call for President Joe Biden to declassify information about the threat has intensified discussions within Congress, the administration and with allies to address the situation openly. His statement prompted reassurances from other members of Congress and senior Biden administration officials that the threat was not imminent, urging the public not to panic. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Albania, characterized the threat as a "potential" one, emphasizing that it is being taken seriously. Three members of the HIC told Politico that the threat posed by Russia's new capability is "disturbing" but more of a longer-term concern than an immediate crisis.

Motives behind the revelation still unknown

The motives behind this revelation remain speculative – whether it serves as a distraction from other issues, an attempt to secure funding for non-border matters or a way to portray Putin negatively after his interview with Tucker Carlson. Despite being labeled a "nothing-burger," concerns arise about the reported Russian capability, described by DoD correspondent Haley Britzky as "highly concerning and destabilizing," particularly in an election year when the federal government tends to amplify fears or distract from other issues. The nature of this capability is uncertain, with speculations ranging from hypersonic weapons to other advanced technologies. (Related: U.S. Space Force: China and Russia are CONCEALING THREATS posed by their satellites.) White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby meanwhile clarified that the anti-satellite capability does not target human beings or cause physical destruction on Earth. The technology is not yet active and has not been deployed. While Kirby did not specify whether the capabilities are nuclear or nuclear-capable, he confirmed that they are "space-based" and would violate the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, prohibiting the stationing of weapons of mass destruction in outer space, to which Russia is a signatory. Russia has demonstrated the ability to shoot down satellites through physical attacks and electronic warfare. The Kremlin, meanwhile, dismissed the report as a "malicious ploy" by the White House to pressure lawmakers into approving more defense funding, including for Ukraine. Watch Dan Bongino talk about Russian space weapons below. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com.

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