Is Russia planning to put a nuclear weapon in space? That's unclear but the White House confirmed Thursday that Moscow now has an "anti-satellite capability." <br /><br />"There is no immediate threat to anyone's safety. We're not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth," said White House National Security spokesman John Kirby.<br /><br />Still, an anti-satellite weapon could knock out vital communication capabilities across the U.S. <br /><br />Kirby and the administration spent the day working to calm fears, trying to reassure Americans that Russia's new emerging weapon is not yet operational. <br /><br />"This is not an active capability but it is potential one we are taking very seriously," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. <br /><br />The Kremlin is downplaying U.S. concerns and says it's all a ruse to make Congress support aid for Ukraine. <br /><br />John Hardie with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies tells CBN's Faith Nation it's unclear if Russia is planning to put a nuclear weapon in space or just shoot down satellites. Either way, he says Moscow's latest aggression speaks to its bigger goals. <br /><br />"The Russians have long seen that space is vital to U.S. military operations and so they want to be able to take that away from us," said Hardie. <br /><br />It all came to light this week when House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) released an urgent message, calling on President Biden to declassify information relating to a "serious national security threat." <br /><br />Lawmakers on Capitol Hill had mixed reaction to Turner's approach. <br /><br />"I certainly would not have done it like that," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). "But in any event, we are where we are at this point." <br /><br />"He was absolutely right," said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). "Absolutely right. And every single one of you, as American citizens, ought to be thankful that he made the decision that he did."<br /><br />The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, meanwhile, argues that Americans need to be aware of the potential threats. <br /><br />"America is sleep-walking into a new age of military and homeland vulnerability, and political leaders need to tell the public the uncomfortable truth," the board wrote. <br /> <br />Russia's ambitions to target critical satellites, or potentially put a nuclear weapon in space, are both blatant violations of international treaties.
