Kirby claims US security threat from Russia's anti-satellite weapons
3 Min Read
The White House said it could not dive into much detail about the "specific nature of the threat."
-
In this handout photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, the Russian Aerospace Forces Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with a military satellite blasts off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Arkhangelsk region, north of Russia (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
According to Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby, the White House has stated that Russia's continuous development of anti-satellite weapons poses a national security danger.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan divulged Wednesday that he plans to meet with House leadership Thursday to address a national security danger.
CNN reported a source who saw the material acknowledged that "it is, in fact, a highly concerning and destabilizing Russian capability that we were recently made aware of," while multiple people familiar called it "very sensitive."
Kirby detailed that although he could not dive into much detail about the "specific nature of the threat," he did confirm that it was "related to an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing."
The official claimed that the US knowledge of such capability is not new and goes back "many months if not a few years," noting that there is no immediate threat to US safety.
Meanwhile in Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that it was too early to comment on the alleged 'national security threat,' calling it "obvious" that the White House was attempting to pressure Congress into voting on a bill for additional Ukraine funding.
Read more: US pre-positioned arms for Ukraine dysfunctional, poorly maintained
Speaking to reporters he stated that he "cannot comment on this at all. Let's wait for this briefing to see if there will be any information."
Kirby also revealed that US President Joe Biden has directed his staff to establish direct diplomatic discussions with Russia in response to the alleged threat.
"He [Biden] has directed a series of initial actions including additional briefings to congressional leaders, direct diplomatic engagement with Russia, with our allies and our partners as well, and with other countries," Kirby explained during a press briefing.
$95bln military package for 'Israel', Ukraine, Taiwan passed by Senate
This comes as the US Senate granted final authorization to a $95 billion wartime "assistance" package for Ukraine, "Israel", and Taiwan in the early hours of Tuesday. The bill is now set to head to the Republican-held House, where its future remains uncertain.
During a vote held before dawn, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the measure with a vote of 70 to 29, surpassing the required 60-vote threshold required for most legislation to pass in the chamber.
A majority of Democrats, along with 22 Republicans, supported the bill, highlighting significant divides within the GOP regarding America's obligations toward its allies and its global role.
The package encompasses $60 billion designated for Ukraine, where military resources are quickly depleting. A substantial portion of these funds is intended to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities and replenish US weaponry and equipment deployed to the frontline.
Additionally, $14 billion has been allocated to support "Israel" and the US in carrying out military activities across the Middle East.
Furthermore, over $8 billion was earmarked for bolstering US partners in the Indo-Pacific, particularly Taiwan, as a means of deterring an alleged potential Chinese aggression.
