On Wednesday, Reuters reported that the United States informed Congress and European allies about new intelligence on Russian nuclear capabilities that could pose an international threat.
Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said he would not comment on the reports' substance until the White House provided more information. But he claimed Washington's warning was an attempt to persuade Congress to approve more funding. "It is obvious that the White House is trying, by hook or crook, to encourage Congress to vote on a bill allocating funds," Kremlin spokesman Peskov told state news agency TASS.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Moscow's point man on arms control, accused the US of "malicious fabrication," according to TASS.
Congressman Mike Turner's cryptic statement about the new intelligence report caused Washington abuzz. He urged Joe Biden to declassify intelligence on the operation, which could be used to target Western satellites.
The New York Times and ABC News previously reported that the new US intelligence was linked to Russian efforts to develop a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. It was unclear why Russia needed a nuclear weapon to destroy a satellite.
Kremlin Dismisses U.S. Concerns About Nuclear Capability in Space
