Russia has not deployed nuclear weapons in space and does not intend to do so, President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Tuesday.
Multiple US media outlets claimed last week that Russia may have undisclosed anti-satellite capabilities, possibly nuclear in nature, deeming it a significant national security threat. The rumors were based on a press release from the House of Representatives, widely seen as a way of pressuring Congress to quickly approve more than $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
“Our position is clear and transparent: We have always been categorically against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space,” said Putin. “Not only have we called for everyone to uphold the treaties already in effect, but repeatedly insisted on strengthening them.”