According to US intelligence and sources in the know, there are discussions within Russia about the potential placement of a nuclear weapon in space. This information came to light following a public caution from a leading House Republican about an unidentified threat to national security.
U.S. intelligence shows that #Russia is discussing the possibility of basing a #nuclearweapon in space.
Read more ⬇️https://t.co/KS8ABDNcz8
— NDTV Profit (@NDTVProfitIndia) February 15, 2024
The threat identified by US intelligence is currently not active, and Russia has not yet stationed a nuclear weapon in space, as per sources who wished to remain anonymous.
Although the findings are substantial and are being treated with gravity by US officials, the sources indicate that there is no immediate reason for public concern.
Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, announced his plans to meet with the US House members of the ‘Gang of Eight’ congressional leaders on Thursday. This meeting was arranged prior to a vague public statement made by Mike Turner, the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, on Wednesday.
🚨🚨 RUSSIA NUCLEAR SPACE WEP?
"Is Russia putting an anti-satellite
nuke in space?"U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia wants to put a nuclear weapon in space, according to multiple reports that emerged Wednesday after the chair of the House Intelligence… pic.twitter.com/XZwVaeCml9
— Audit The States 🇺🇲 📜 🦅 (@Audit_TheStates) February 15, 2024
The Republican from Ohio urged President Joe Biden to make all information related to this threat public. However, Turner did not provide additional information about the threat’s specifics.
Turner’s choice to publicly address the matter, despite not providing a full description, has stirred unease in Washington. This incident occurs amidst a period when conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza are significantly impacting the US.
Sullivan chose not to disclose the topic of Thursday’s meeting or react to Turner’s depiction of the national security issue. He stated, “I am not in a position to provide any more information today.”
Earlier reports from ABC News and the New York Times suggested that Russia was contemplating the deployment of a nuclear weapon in space.
While House Speaker Mike Johnson aimed to alleviate concerns about potential immediate threats to Americans, he assured journalists that he would urge the administration to respond suitably during his meeting with Sullivan.
Sullivan told reporters at the White House Wednesday he had proactively reached out to the Gang of Eight to set a meeting — which he described a “highly unusual” move. The four House members of that group will meet Sullivan on Thursday, he said.
“That’s been on the books, so I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today,” Sullivan said at the White House. “That’s his choice to do that. All I can tell you is I’m focused on going to see him.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed his anticipation for the release of more details on the confidential issue to the public soon. Turner confirmed that the committee has already shared all accessible resources with its members.
The House Intelligence panel’s top Democrat, Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, also urged calm. “People should not panic,” he said, describing the matter as a longstanding, albeit serious issue.
Jeffries, speaking at the Capitol on Wednesday, said “it’s possible” he’ll attend a meeting Thursday. “I’ve got some familiarity with the situation,” he said.
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