NATO Chief Warns Russia Plans Nuclear Weapons Deployment in Space

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed deep concern over reports that Russia is exploring the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, which could threaten global security and disrupt critical satellite communications. Rutte highlighted that such actions would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and potentially lead to chaos on Earth, as satellites are integral to modern life, supporting functions like banking and weather forecasting. He noted that Russia's space capabilities are outdated, indicating that the move could be an attempt to bolster its standing against Western powers. The prospect of space becoming a conflict zone has heightened NATO's focus on space security, with the alliance having declared that its Article 5 mutual defense clause applies to attacks from space. Rutte's comments underscore the increasing militarization of space and the need for vigilance amid intensifying competition. This warning aligns with broader concerns about Russia's military expansion and readiness for potential conflict, raising alarms within NATO about the implications for collective defense.