Russia refutes claims made by the US that it launched anti-satellite weapons into space

The United States’ claim that Russia has deployed a weapon in low-Earth orbit with the ability to examine and target other satellites was dismissed as “fake news” by Russia’s leading arms control diplomat on Wednesday.

Moscow has categorically refuted the claims made by U.S. authorities on the development of a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon.

The U.S. Space Command indicated that the recent launch of a Soyuz rocket from Russia’s Plesetsk launch pad is believed to have featured a “counterspace weapon” with the potential to attack satellites in low Earth orbit.

The Russian defense ministry announced the launch on May 17, stating that a spacecraft was on board, but did not provide any further information regarding its purpose.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that it is not advisable to react to any false information originating from Washington, as reported by the Interfax news agency.

“Regardless of the statements made by the Americans, our position is unchanged,” stated Ryabkov. He also emphasized that Moscow has constantly opposed the placement of offensive weapons in the low-Earth orbit.”

In February, President Vladimir Putin and then-defence minister Sergei Shoigu refuted the claims made by the United States that Russia was in the process of creating a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. This weapon was allegedly intended to interfere with various systems, including military communications and phone-based transportation services.

The U.S. Space Command has reported that the May launch, specifically on May 16, involved COSMOS 2576, a Russian military spacecraft referred to as a “inspector” that U.S. authorities have consistently criticized for its irresponsible conduct in space.

International law

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from providing a detailed response to the U.S. claim, but stated that Russia’s actions were fully in compliance with international law.

“We are not infringing upon any rules or regulations.” We have consistently called for a prohibition on the deployment of all weapons in outer space. Peskov informed reporters that our measures, including those proposed to the United States, were regrettably rejected.

According to a knowledgeable U.S. official, U.S. intelligence services were anticipating the launch of COSMOS 2576 and shared their evaluation of the satellite with allies prior to its deployment in space. In addition, the launch involved the deployment of civilian satellites to various orbits.

COSMOS 2576 has not approached any U.S. satellite as of Tuesday. However, space analysts have detected that it shares the same orbital path as USA 314, an NRO satellite launched in April 2021, which is approximately the size of a bus.

Ryabkov stated that Russia’s space program is progressing according to the intended schedule, which includes endeavors to enhance defense capabilities. However, he emphasized that this information is not groundbreaking.

He criticized the United States for rejecting Russian suggestions aimed at enhancing the security of space operations, including a request to establish a convention barring the militarization of space.