Russia’s top arms control diplomat characterized the assertions as “fake news” amid rising concerns over the militarization of space.
The contention centers on a recent Soyuz rocket launch from Russia’s Plesetsk site, which the U.S. Space Command alleges could have involved a counterspace weapon capable of targeting satellites in low Earth orbit. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the May 17 launch included a spacecraft, yet declined to specify its purpose. U.S. officials have labeled this launch as potentially nefarious, implicating COSMOS 2576, a type of Russian military “inspector” spacecraft, for what they consider reckless behavior in the space domain.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov responded to these allegations with a dismissive tone, stating, “I don’t think we should respond to any fake news from Washington.” Ryabkov maintained that Russia has always consistently opposed the deployment of strike weapons in orbit, contradicting the U.S. narrative.
The U.S. narrative emerged from its Space Command, which identified the May 16 launch of the Soyuz rocket as problematic. Specifically, the spacecraft COSMOS 2576 has been a point of contention, with the U.S. alleging it exhibits the characteristics of a space-based anti-satellite weapon. However, as of the latest observations, COSMOS 2576 has not approached any U.S. satellite, although it shares the same orbital path as USA 314, a large National Reconnaissance Office satellite deployed in April 2021.
The Russian side has refuted the development of a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon, a denial echoing previous statements from President Vladimir Putin and then-defense minister Sergei Shoigu. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov further emphasized Russia’s commitment to international law, asserting that Moscow has not violated any treaties and has, in fact, been an advocate for a ban on the weaponization of space. Peskov lamented that Russian initiatives for this ban, including a treaty proposal to forestall an arms race in space, were snubbed by countries such as the United States.
Amid these assertions and counter-assertions, Ryabkov pointed out that the development of Russia’s space program, including its defense capabilities, was proceeding as planned and should not be misinterpreted as an escalation or deviation from previously stated goals.
Relevant articles:
– Russia denies US charge that it put anti-satellite weapon in space, Stripes, 05/22/2024
– Russia Denies Allegations of U.S. Space Weapons as False Information, The PiPa News, 05/22/2024
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IF Russia even did launch a satellite SO WHAT!!!
Do you people even know how to read past the propagandic brain rinse:
“…the U.S. Space Command alleges could have involved a counterspace weapon…”, “COUNTERSPACE” weapon! What does that imply you Einsteins, huh? That tells you that your own dear hegemonic US has ALREADY WEAPONIZED space….. duh dimwits! A counterspace weapon is obviously employed to counter an existing space threat! So, IF the story has fact Russia has committed no foul!!! Wake the hell up…!!!