White House confirms Russia developing 'anti-satellite capability'

National security adviser Jake Sullivan was headed to Capitol Hill Thursday to brief House members of the «Gang of 8» congressional leaders on what ABC News first reported, citing sources, was intelligence relating to Russia's desire to put a nuclear weapon into space to use against satellites.

White House spokesman John Kirby confirmed Thursday that the intelligence is related to what he called «an anti-satellite capability» he said was still being developed by Russia, but declined to answer whether that system would be considered a nuclear weapon or nuclear capable.

«First, this is not an active capability that's been deployed. And though Russia's pursuit of this particular capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to anyone's safety,» Kirby said. «We're not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth.»

Kirby said Thursday the U.S. has had general knowledge of Russia's ambition for such capabilities for «many months, if not a few years» but said only recently has the intelligence community been able to «assess with a higher sense of confidence exactly how Russia continues to pursue it.»

Kirby said the administration is taking the potential threat «very seriously» and is working to inform lawmakers as well as allies around the world.

«Nothing is more important to President Biden and the safety and security of the American people,» Kirby said. «That's his top priority and it's going to remain front and center as we continue to determine the next best steps.»

But he said they had «serious concerns» about a broad declassification of the intelligence as has been requested by Republican House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner.

Turner on Wednesday