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.
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.
Several House Democrats, who are privy to this type of intelligence, sought to calm the public furore 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.
