Senior American officials announced on Wednesday, February 14, that the United States was facing a new and “serious threat” to its security. According to several American media, it relates to Russia's military capabilities.
In a cryptic statement, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Michael Turner, said he had asked members of Congress to review "information relating to a serious threat to national security" that he did not specify.
NBC and CNN, citing unidentified sources, speak of “extremely worrying” Russian military capabilities. ABC reported that Moscow plans to place a nuclear weapon in space to use against satellites.
“I am calling on President Biden to declassify all information related to this threat so that Congress, the government, and our allies can discuss the actions needed to address it,” added Michael Turner.
There is “no need to panic”
The Commission voted Tuesday to allow members of Congress to review the information in a secure location, he added in a joint letter with the body's Democratic Vice Chairman, Jim Himes. The two officials, however, stressed that there was “no need to panic”.
For his part, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed irritation that Michael Turner had decided to publicly raise the subject before a briefing he is due to give Thursday to representatives and officials of the information. “It’s his choice,” he said. All I can tell you is that I’m going to see him, talk to him (…) tomorrow. »
This episode comes as Congress blocks a large additional aid package for Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia since Moscow's invasion two years ago. The Democratic Senate has approved $60 billion in new aid for kyiv, but the House Republican leader is refusing any vote on the plan.
