There are no facts that Russia has created risks for space activities. Such a statement on Tuesday, November 16, was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, commenting on the accusations from the United States.
"Right now I can only say one thing. To say that the Russian Federation poses risks to activities for the peaceful use of outer space is at least hypocrisy. There are no facts," he stressed at a press conference.
The Minister also pointed out that the United States is actively developing an arms race in space. Thus, the Pentagon is testing orbital strike weapons, while ignoring the initiatives of the Russian Federation and China to prevent an arms race.
"For example, the United States calls on us, as they put it, to develop universal norms for the exploration of outer space. But for some reason, at the same time, the initiative of Russia and China on the preparation of a treaty on the prevention of an arms race in outer space has been ignored for many years. They just ignore it," he said.
A day earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that Russia had tested anti-satellite systems. This, he believes, allegedly contradicts Moscow's statements about the inadmissibility of placing weapons in outer space. According to Blinken, by its actions, the Russian Federation threatens "the long-term sustainability of the space environment and the use of space by all countries."
The day before, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that Russia had not warned the United States about testing anti-satellite weapons. He called the actions of the Russian Federation irresponsible.
On October 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia's proposal for a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles (INF) in the Asia-Pacific region and other regions of the world remains in force, and its relevance is growing. The Russian leader also noted that after the termination of the Treaty on the Elimination of Short- and Medium-Range Missiles (INF) The Asia-Pacific region is facing the prospect of a new round of the arms race.
On the same day, Lavrov expressed concern about the US' desire to deploy medium- and shorter-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The Russian Foreign Ministry is convinced that these actions of the United States will significantly disrupt strategic stability, the head of the department said.
