Russia criticizes US after statement on weapons in orbit: They are leading humanity toward destruction

Moscow has reacted harshly after a US official acknowledged that the United States has deployed weapons systems in orbit for space control. Russia’s Foreign Ministry described the development as a serious risk to space activities and international security.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said the statement from Washington demonstrated, in her view, a disregard for the consequences that an armed confrontation in orbit could bring.

“Pursuing selfish interests, Washington is ready to completely disregard the catastrophic consequences for humanity of an armed conflict in orbit,” Zakharova declared.

According to her, the deployment of US weapons in orbit puts the future of space exploration at risk and could create “colossal risks” for space activities, on which the well-being of citizens depends.

Moscow’s position followed a statement made Monday by US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Maynack. He said that the US had placed “weapons for space control” in orbit, capable of protecting the US armed forces against any hostile action.

The statement was described as one of the most direct acknowledgments by a US government representative regarding the development of American weapons systems in space, as tensions between Washington, Moscow and Beijing continue to rise.

Zakharova also accused the US of seeking to divert the attention of international public opinion from what Russia describes as Washington’s aggressive efforts in space.

At the same time, she rejected claims that Russia is developing anti-satellite weapons systems, calling the accusations “scandalous.”

Zakharova announced that draft resolutions aimed at banning the development of weapons in space, in whose preparation Russia also contributed, will be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly next month.