The commander of German Space Command, Maj. Gen. Michael Traut, has expressed serious concerns over U.S. intelligence reports indicating that Russia is developing an anti-satellite weapon in space that includes a nuclear component. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference event on Friday, Traut warned of the catastrophic consequences of a Russian nuclear weapon detonating in orbit, which could permanently damage the global commons of orbit.

Traut emphasized the destructive impact of a nuclear blast in space, stating that it could render satellites from various nations, including China, Russia, America, and Europe, unusable. The European Space Policy Institute's director, Ludwig Möller, highlighted the potential economic fallout of trillions of dollars in the banking and energy sectors if Russia successfully targets commercial satellites.

Despite the alarming U.S. intelligence reports, the White House adviser John Kirby reassured that there is no immediate threat to safety from Russia's activities. However, House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner labeled the Russian development as a "serious national security threat" and urged President Biden to declassify more information regarding the matter.

The White House confirmed that the Russian system being developed is a space-based anti-satellite weapon, which would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty banning weapons of mass destruction in space. In response, the Kremlin dismissed the reports as a "malicious fabrication."

The development of a potential anti-satellite weapon with a nuclear component by Russia has raised concerns globally, prompting calls for further transparency and action to address this emerging threat in space warfare.