Russia threatened to shoot down any satellites used to aid Ukraine.

Over the course of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, numerous western countries have sent aid to Ukraine in the form of money, military equipment, and relief supplies. In addition to that, companies like SpaceX and ICEYE have offered the use of satellite arrays to Ukraine to ensure they can maintain a consistent wireless connection despite Russia’s attacks.

Today, Russia issued a blanket threat to any western powers that continue to aid Ukraine in this manner, claiming that they have the weapons and technology available to shoot down satellites. Konstantin Vorontsov, Deputy Director of the Department of Non-Proliferation and Arms Control of the Russian Foreign Ministry, threatened to target any satellites used by western nations for the express purpose of helping Ukraine.

Vorontsov claimed that the “use by the United States and its allies of civilian, including commercial, infrastructure elements in outer space for military purposes” is “an extremely dangerous trend … that has become apparent during the latest developments in Ukraine.”

“Quasi-civilian infrastructure may become a legitimate target for retaliation. Western actions needlessly put at risk the sustainability of peaceful space activities, as well as numerous social and economic processes on Earth that affect the well-being of people, first of all in developing countries.” Vorontsov said.

Previously in 2021, Russia announced the development of an anti-satellite weapon, which caused concern for astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The actual efficacy of this weapon, however, is not known.