According to U.S. officials contacted by the Wall Street Journal, there has been a private warning to Russia regarding the deployment of a new nuclear-armed antisatellite weapon.
The U.S. expressed concerns about the violation of the Outer Space Treaty and the potential impact on U.S. national security interests.
This unusual communication from high-ranking U.S. national security and intelligence officials is a key component of a strategic effort by the Biden administration to address a looming threat.
The campaign also includes engagement with China, India, G-7 nations, and other key allies with stakes in space and connections to Moscow.
Following an announcement by Rep. Mike Turner, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, regarding a significant national-security concern, a warning was issued to Moscow. Turner also urged President Biden to declassify related information.
A day later, the White House confirmed that Russia was developing a “antisatellite capability,” but refrained from providing detailed information, assuring that it was not currently posing a threat to Americans’ safety.
The unexpected move surprised both administration officials and lawmakers, sparking intense speculation in Washington about the reason behind Turner’s alarm.
According to multiple U.S. officials, communication took place between Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign-policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to U.S. and allied officials, the two officials have communicated multiple times following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During these interactions, the administration has emphasized the importance of cautioning Moscow against the use of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction.
Last week, CIA Director William Burns contacted Sergei Naryshkin, the director of Russia’s foreign intelligence service, according to a U.S. official.
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