US Slams 'Reckless' Anti-Satellite Missile Test, Putin: Black Sea Actions 'Provocative'

LOCAL NEWS

• US Sec of State Blinken says Russia's alleged 'reckless' test of an anti-satellite missile will obstruct the exploration of outer space for all nations. Says this test created extensive orbital debris which will threaten satellites, astronauts and other space objects for decades to come.
  • Ned Price also said the US and Russia could have a more stable, more predictable relationship, but actions like the ones we saw today with anti-satellite weapons testing, actions that we see along the border with Ukraine, and more, all of this indicates that so far it is too early to say that we have managed to achieve this kind of relationship"
• Putin tells Macron that the US is leading provocative exercises in the Black Sea and are increasing tensions between Russia & NATO, while Macron said France was ready to defend Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.
  • Deputy FM Ryabkov says the situation on the Black Sea & Ukraine has become more fraught with risks as the US does not want to hear the Russian position on the matter. "a negative energy is being accumulated, the risks are growing, including potential clashes and possible escalation." Says the policies of Wester countries are reckless and make Kiev even more provocative
• Both US & Russian experts say Russia is unlikely to invade Ukraine, despite ratcheting tensions as the losses would be too great and the gains too limited.
  • Notes while the troop build-up is concerning, it is more aimed at using a show of force to get concessions out of NATO & Ukraine – with an invasion being doubtful, similar to the build-up in March.
• UK PM Johnson says the EU will soon be facing a choice of whether to increase its dependency on Russian hydrocarbons or "sticking up for Ukraine and championing the cause of peace and stability." Johnson also said Russia was a great country and called out against isolating it