Putin Denies Russian Space-Based Nuclear Weapon Development Amid US Claims

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Tuesday that Russia firmly opposes the deployment of nuclear weapons in space while simultaneously rejecting US accusations of Russia engaging in such developments.

Last week, unidentified US sources said the US had fresh information on Russia's nuclear capabilities and space-based weapons development.

Putin reiterated Russia's opposition to nuclear weapons in space and stressed the need to follow agreements and collaborate in space. He stressed that Russia's space operations match those of other countries, including the US, as reported by Reuters.

(Photo : ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Kremlin in Moscow on February 20, 2024.

Vladimir Putin conveyed this position to his defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, stating that Russia has "always been categorically against and is now against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space."

Addressing the US claims, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu refuted any plans for space-based nuclear weapons, accusing the White House of using the allegations to pressure US lawmakers into allocating additional funds for Ukraine. He suggested that the leaked information aimed to prompt Russia into discussing strategic stability.

No Immediate Threat to Humanity

Putin linked the US claims to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which raised tensions between Moscow and the West. He said he was ready to discuss strategic stability but warned against Western efforts to undermine Russia's interests. He stressed the need to comprehend the West's goals and prevent unilateral gains, emphasizing Russia's defense of its strategic interests despite global problems.

US national security officials and politicians are alarmed by Russia's suspected development of a satellite-targeting space-based nuclear weapon. Last week, the Washington Post reported on classified intelligence sources expressing worries about potential interference with critical communications and intelligence systems.

John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House, acknowledged that Russia is developing an antisatellite capability but made it clear that it is not an operational system. He emphasized that while Russia's pursuit of this capability is troubling, there is currently no immediate threat to human safety or physical destruction on Earth.

The capability in question is specified as a nuclear-armed weapon, not nuclear-powered, according to anonymous US officials familiar with the intelligence.

SpaceX Denies Link With the Russian Government

Separately, SpaceX denied any involvement with the Russian government following reports about Russia's use of SpaceX's Starlink communications service in Ukraine that surfaced.

Anonymous Ukrainian sources revealed that the presence of Starlink terminals among Russian forces was initially detected several months ago, with a recent notable increase in usage, as previously reported by TechTimes. Multiple Starlink terminals were allegedly active along the extensive frontline, posing additional challenges for the Ukrainian military, which is already grappling with ammunition shortages.

Reports of Russian forces employing Starlink have surfaced through Ukrainian media and social media posts. Volunteer groups supporting the invasion of Ukraine have showcased Starlink terminals purchased for army units.

The Pentagon acknowledged awareness of these reports but directed inquiries regarding operational specifics to Ukrainian partners.

Responding to concerns, SpaceX issued a statement asserting that it does not conduct any business with the Russian government or military. Elon Musk's company, which manufactures and launches rockets and spacecraft, emphasized that Starlink is not currently used in Russia and has neither sold nor promoted the service there.