Pentagon Alleges Russian Launch of Potential Space Weapon Near US Satellite

Pentagon expresses concern over Russian satellite launch near US satellite, amid escalating tensions over space weaponization. Kremlin reaffirms commitment to international law.

The Pentagon has raised alarms over a recent Russian satellite launch, claiming it may be a counter-space weapon capable of targeting other satellites. On May 16, Russia launched this satellite into low Earth orbit, placing it in close proximity to a US government satellite, according to Pentagon spokesman Air Force Major General Pat Ryder.

During a press briefing, Ryder emphasized that the United States is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to protect its assets in space. "We have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the domain, the space domain, and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the Joint and Combined Force," he stated.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment directly on the Pentagon's allegations but reiterated Russia's stance on adhering to international law. Peskov pointed out that Russia has consistently advocated for the banning of weapons in space, although these initiatives have been rejected by other countries, including the US.

Earlier this week, tensions between the US and Russia escalated when Moscow accused Washington of seeking to militarize space. This accusation followed the rejection of a Russian non-proliferation resolution at the United Nations, which called for the prevention of weapon placement in outer space. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that the US's true priorities involve turning space into a battleground.

The exchange of accusations over space weaponization has led to rival resolutions at the UN. Last month, Russia vetoed a US initiative aimed at non-proliferation, while Russia's own proposal failed to pass, receiving only seven votes in favor. US envoy Robert Wood criticized Russia's proposal as a distraction, accusing Moscow of "diplomatic gaslighting."

Wood highlighted that this recent launch follows previous Russian activities suspected of involving counter-space systems, specifically in 2019 and 2022. The White House had previously warned in February about Russia developing anti-satellite weapons, which lawmakers deemed a serious threat to national security.

Despite these rising tensions, space has remained a rare area of cooperation between the two nations. Both countries continue to transport each other’s crew members to the International Space Station (ISS), where their astronauts work together.

This development brings renewed attention to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in space. The treaty aims to prevent the militarization of space, a principle that both countries have historically supported but now seem to be challenging.