Putin says Russia has no intention of putting nuclear weapons in space
Al Jazeera
Last week, the White House claimed that Moscow had obtained ‘troubling’ anti-satellite weapon capability.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space, claiming that the country has only developed space capabilities similar to those of the US.
Putin’s statement on Tuesday follows the White House claim last week that Russia has obtained a “troubling” anti-satellite weapon capability, although such a weapon is not operational yet.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said it would violate the international Outer Space Treaty, but declined to comment on whether the weapon was nuclear-capable.
The treaty, signed by more than 130 countries – including Russia, prohibits the deployment of “nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction” in orbit or the stationing of “weapons in outer space in any other manner”.
The White House said it would look to engage the Russians directly about the concerns.
