Russia: US deployment of weapons in space is irresponsible

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Photo: AP

Speaking at a press conference, Ms. Zakharova stated: "The recent steps taken by the United States to prepare for the deployment of weapons in space, including the establishment of a space-based missile defense group, demonstrate that the international community needs to make greater efforts to prevent such irresponsible plans. We hope to immediately hold negotiations on this issue at the disarmament conference, aimed at maintaining international security and strategic stability."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend the plenary session of the disarmament conference held in Geneva on March 20.

Also at the press conference, Ms. Zakharova emphasized that Moscow is closely monitoring the situation in Idlib province (Syria), and expressed concern that the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the White Helmets are staging new fake chemical attacks in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia and Hama.

In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry representative said that US security agencies are establishing communication channels with smuggling and drug trafficking groups to collect information about illegal cross-border routes in Venezuela.