Vladimir Putin denies US claims that Russia plans to put nuclear weapons in space

US sources had suggested that Russia had some sort of new capability in space, with some reports pointing to an anti-satellite device

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu accused the White House of trying to scare US lawmakers into allocating more funds for Ukraine

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) listens to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a meeting at Kremlin on Tuesday. Photo: Sputnik via EPA-EFE

Published: 5:23am, 21 Feb 2024

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia was against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space and his defence minister flatly denied US claims that Russia was developing a nuclear capability for space.

An unidentified source briefed on the matter said last week in the United States that Washington had new intelligence related to Russian nuclear capabilities and attempts to develop a space-based weapon.

“Our position is clear and transparent: we have always been categorically against and are now against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space,” Putin told Sergei Shoigu, his defence minister

“We urge not only compliance with all agreements that exist in this area, but also offered to strengthen this joint work many times,” Putin said.

Republican Chair on the US House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Mike Turner speaks to reporters in Washington on February 15 after a meeting about Russia’s pursuit of a space-based nuclear weapon. Photo: EPA-EFE

He added that Russia’s activities in space did not differ from those of other countries, including the United States.