US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken accused Russia of creating a threat to the safety of space research due to the test of an anti-satellite missile. He stressed that thousands of fragments of the affected target remained in orbit, TASS reports.
The head of the State Department noted that noticeable parts of space debris will remain in outer space for a long time and for decades will threaten objects and satellites that are vital for the security of nations, the economy and scientific interests.
"In addition, it will significantly increase the risk to astronauts and the International Space Station, as well as other human activities in space," Blinken said, adding that the Russian test jeopardized the safety of space explorers.
Earlier, the United States called the Russian tests of anti-satellite weapons "reckless". According to State Department spokesman Ned Price, space debris caused by the destruction of the satellite threatens the safety of the International Space Station (ISS).
The UK adheres to a similar position. The head of the country's Defense Ministry, Ben Wallace, also said that Russia had neglected the safety of outer space by testing anti-satellite weapons, thereby creating a threat to satellites and spacecraft.
Marina Sovina
