Is an arms race now beginning in area? Pentagon studies: Russia could have positioned a weapon in the identical orbit as a US authorities satellite tv for pc.
According to the US, Russia has despatched a satellite tv for pc into area which may be an area weapon. The satellite tv for pc could have attacked different satellites and is in low Earth orbit, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder stated on Tuesday.
The launch occurred on May 16. The Russian satellite tv for pc is now in the identical orbit because the US authorities satellite tv for pc, Ryder continued. Asked if the Russian satellite tv for pc is a risk to US satellites, Ryder stated, “Well, it is a area protection weapon in the identical orbit as a US authorities satellite tv for pc.” There have been related launches in Russia in 2019 and 2022.
A risk to nationwide and worldwide safety
On Monday, Russia’s decision towards the arms race in area failed within the UN Security Council. Of the 15 states in New York, 7 voted for the draft decision and seven opposed it – one of many dissenting votes got here from the USA. In gentle of the United States‘ decision towards nuclear weapons in area that failed final month as a result of Russia’s veto, Wood spoke about Moscow’s misleading ways.
In February, US studies about Russia’s nuclear ambitions in area prompted a stir. Nuclear energy needs to be directed at satellites and due to this fact could pose a risk to nationwide and worldwide safety, it stated.
The US authorities then introduced that Russia was creating navy capabilities to be used towards satellites. US President Joe Biden stated on the time that “there is no such thing as a nuclear risk to the American individuals or wherever else on the planet.” Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to those studies and stated that he’s towards stopping nuclear weapons in area.
On Tuesday, Russia additionally introduced the beginning of a nuclear weapons marketing campaign close to Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defense explains that the operation is “a response to provocative statements and threats from sure representatives of the West.” The “readiness” of “non-strategic nuclear weapons” will likely be assessed to make sure the “territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state.”