WASHINGTON — A source privy to the matter revealed to Reuters on Wednesday that the United States has informed Congress and European allies about fresh intelligence concerning Russia’s nuclear capabilities, which could potentially pose a global threat.
These new capabilities, which are linked to Russia’s efforts to create a space-based weapon, do not currently pose an immediate threat to the United States, according to the source.
The intelligence surfaced following an enigmatic statement issued by Rep. Mike Turner, the Republican chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives intelligence committee, on Wednesday. He warned of a “grave national security threat.”
Subsequent sources indicated that the warning pertained to Russian capabilities in space, specifically satellites. One source emphasized the seriousness of the issue, but clarified that it is not related to an active capability and should not incite panic.
“I am urging President Biden to declassify all information related to this threat. This will enable Congress, the administration, and our allies to openly discuss the necessary actions to counter this threat,” Turner stated, without providing additional details.
According to a current and a former U.S. official cited by the New York Times, the new intelligence is connected to Russia’s attempts to develop a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. ABC News also reported that the intelligence was related to such a capability. Current and former officials confirmed that the nuclear weapon was not in orbit.
Turner’s statement was issued amidst ongoing debates in Congress about how the United States should handle global threats from Russia and other adversaries. Security hawks are advocating for increased global involvement, while some lawmakers, particularly those closely allied with former Republican President Donald Trump, are pushing for a more isolationist “America First” approach to international affairs.
Turner recently led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Ukraine and subsequently warned his fellow lawmakers that Ukraine’s time to resist Russian invaders was dwindling.
The Biden administration has been escalating its criticism of House Republicans for potentially obstructing a $95 billion bill passed by the Senate, which would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Supporters of the bill argue that backing the government in Kyiv is crucial for the United States to counter threats from Russia that extend beyond Ukraine.
‘Not a cause for panic’
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump supporter who has stated he will not hastily allow a vote on the Senate bill, assured reporters at the Capitol that there was no cause for public alarm. “Steady hands are at the wheel. We’re working on it and there’s no need for alarm,” he said.
Sens. Mark Warner and Marco Rubio, the Democratic chairman and Republican vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, respectively, released a joint statement confirming that their committee has the intelligence in question and has been “rigorously” monitoring the issue.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that Warner and Rubio were briefed on the threat weeks ago. The source clarified that while the issue is not unrelated to the security spending bill, there is no direct link between them.
Rep. Jim Himes, the leading Democrat on the House intelligence panel, acknowledged the significance of the issue raised in Turner’s statement, but emphasized that “it is not a cause for panic.”
Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, declined to provide specific details. He mentioned that he had scheduled a briefing for Thursday with congressional leaders, administration intelligence, and defense professionals. He expressed surprise at Turner’s decision to issue the statement.
“I’m not in a position to say anything further today,” Sullivan told a briefing. “Like I said, I look forward to the discussion with (Turner) and obviously from there we will determine how to proceed, but standing here at the podium today I can’t share anything further.”
I disagree with the US decision to alert allies about Russian space and nuclear potential. This move may only escalate tensions and provoke a dangerous arms race.