Putin's theoretical nuclear satellite could take out many many satellites through an EMP

 Of course proximity is everything in a nuclear explosion that brings and EMP. One of the other problems with doing something like this is that if your nuclear explosion is big enough it could blow off some of the atmosphere of earth. So, doing what people are talking about is risky for the whole human race in more ways than one. However, if Putin actually did this most people would die from planes crashing because of all electronics failing in their planes and the planes nosing in by the dozens or thousands in that area of the world. Also, GPS might fail in all cars that might be being navigated by GPS instruments too. Also, all ships in that area might also have problems navigating with their GPS too. Also, all missiles or drones might not be able to function in that area of the planet too.

Some people might say: "It's dumb to have our whole military and phone system based upon these GPS satellites that Putin could permanently end so many lives with one nuclear blast in space!" and they are right.

The loss of some or all of our GPS satellites would be likely catastrophic for many countries on earth including the U.S. with thousands of people dying. However, this would also be considered a first strike by Putin and would be met with thousands of other types of military devices which likely would take out places like Moscow and larger military installations throughout Russia.

So, Putin setting up for this is sort of suicidal for Russia too.