"No Plan to Deploy Nuclear Weapons in Space," Repeatedly Clarified
US Warns "Russia May Deploy Nukes in Satellite Orbits"
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently fully denied the Western countries' allegations of Russia deploying nuclear weapons in space, calling them "fake news."
On the 1st (local time), TASS news agency reported that President Putin said at the Russian Federation Security Council, "We have no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space."
He stated, "Today, we discussed the fake news spread by some Western officials," adding, "(The fake news) claims that Russia is 'suspected' of planning to deploy nuclear weapons in space, but since we have no such plans, they used the word 'suspected'." He also added, "Neutralizing military threats in outer space must always be a priority for Russia."
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a video speech at the Moscow Kremlin on the occasion of the "Special Operations Forces Day," a scene released by the Russian state news agency Sputnik on the 27th of last month (local time). [Photo by AFP]
Earlier, foreign media cited the U.S. government saying that Russia is developing space-based capabilities that could disable satellites using nuclear weapons. The U.S. government reportedly warned its allies that Russia might deploy nuclear weapons in satellite orbits within this year. Concerns have spread as such weapons, if used to intercept satellites in emergencies, could cause massive disruptions to global communication networks.
In response, President Putin said during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu on the 20th of last month, "There have been noises from the U.S. and other Western countries about deploying nuclear weapons in space, but our position is clear," adding, "Russia has always firmly opposed deploying nuclear weapons in space and continues to do so." Despite this, as suspicions have not easily subsided, President Putin has repeatedly expressed opposition to space nuclear weapons to dispel the narrative of a Russian threat.
However, despite Putin's statements, as the Ukraine war enters its third year and sanctions and confrontations between Russia and the West become entrenched, concerns over satellite security are expected to emerge as a major issue for the international community. Reports have also emerged that this issue may be discussed at the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers' meeting to be held in Italy next month.
Meanwhile, while denying the allegations of deploying nuclear weapons in space, President Putin warned that deeper Western involvement in the Ukraine war could lead to the risk of a global nuclear conflict. In his state address on the 29th of last month, Putin said, "Remember the fate of countries that invaded Russia in the past," adding, "The outcome for those attempting to invade Russia now will be far more tragic than before." He continued, "We have weapons capable of striking targets on Western countries' territories, and we must keep in mind that the current moves by Western countries are creating a real threat of nuclear confrontation."
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