Kremlin Softens Stance on Trumps Golden Dome Missile Defense Initiative

On Wednesday, the Kremlin stated that U.S. President Donald Trump’s envisioned «Golden Dome» missile defense system is a «sovereign issue» for the United States, signaling a shift in tone following prior concerns that the proposal could undermine global security.

Trump, who initiated the project just a week after taking office in January, indicated that the system would place missile interceptors in space to protect against both ballistic and hypersonic threats. He provided initial funding details on Tuesday, describing it as «crucial for the success and even survival of our nation.»

«This is purely a domestic issue for the United States. If the U.S. perceives a missile threat, it will certainly proceed with developing a missile defense system,» Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

«That’s what all countries would do,» he added, noting that the situation would ultimately necessitate renewed discussions to «restore strategic stability,» hinting at broader negotiations concerning nuclear arms.

Peskov’s comments followed a phone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the U.S. president characterized as having “gone very well.”

Earlier in the month, Moscow had expressed discontent over the «Golden Dome» initiative, cautioning that it could lead to the militarization of space. In a joint statement, Russia and China labeled the initiative as «profoundly destabilizing.»

The term «Golden Dome» is reminiscent of Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, which has successfully intercepted thousands of short-range missiles since 2011. In contrast, the U.S. system is intended to guard against long-range and hypersonic threats.

China, which has strengthened its strategic ties with Moscow in recent years, reiterated its opposition to the U.S. plan on Wednesday, deeming it a threat to global security.