On Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner relayed information related to what’s being described as a “serious national security threat” to members of Congress. Unnamed sources cited by CNN confirmed that this notification pertains to what “is, in fact, a highly concerning and destabilizing” Russian capability “that we were recently made aware of.”

According to multiple other unconfirmed sources, the threat is related to Russian efforts to develop a space-based nuclear weapon that, if detonated, could wipe out the world’s satellite infrastructure; this could have crippling effects on multiple industries and even entire populations. 

While this certainly suggests a serious concern for Defense officials and lawmakers alike, official reports also suggest that the national security threat in question is not imminent. Rather, the developing information concerns emerging Russian military capabilities in space that the American Defense apparatus will need to address in the long term. 

“I want to assure the American people there is no need for public alarm,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said at the Capitol. “We are going to work together to address this matter, as we do all sensitive matters that are classified and beyond that, I’m not at liberty to disclose classified information and really can’t say much more, but we just want to assure everyone steady hands are at the wheel, we’re working on it, and there’s no need for alarm.”

To that end, White House officials have similarly stated that while the threat appears serious, there are ways to “contain” it without triggering mass panic. Of course, despite these reassurances, social media platforms like TikTok were soon flooded with hyperbolic discussion, with some claiming that “the more they say not to panic, the more I’m going to panic.”

While more details about this threat are sure to be released in the coming days, the nature of a space-based nuclear weapon does not suggest a greater need for concern over Russia’s existing nuclear arsenal, which includes large-yield intercontinental nuclear missiles in sufficient volume to overwhelm American missile defenses. This is not a new development, but rather the very basis for the long-term nuclear deterrent strategy known as Mutually Assured Destruction. 

“It is a serious national security issue in the medium-to-long term that the Congress and the administration need to focus on,” said Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut. “But no need to buy gold.”

About the Author 

Alex Hollings is a writer, dad, and Marine veteran.

This article was first published by Sandboxx News.