Russia has condemned a proposed U.S. missile defense system, cautioning on Monday that it has the potential to upset the balance of global nuclear deterrence, as indicated by reports.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, described the ambitious initiative as profoundly “provocative” in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper.
TASS reported his statement: “Problems in the strategic sphere resulting from destabilizing U.S. actions only continue to grow. It is enough to recall the highly provocative anti-missile project ‘Golden Dome for America.’”
Medvedev further stated that the project “fundamentally contradicts the assertion of the inseparable interrelationship between offensive and defensive strategic arms,” a principle he noted is embedded in the preamble of a treaty that safeguards U.S. national security by restricting Russia’s deployed intercontinental nuclear arsenal.
A defense analyst suggests that Russia’s response highlights the Golden Dome’s significance as a strategic message to the international community.
“Even prior to its construction, the dome serves as a potent military and political instrument and represents a formidable bargaining asset in dealings with U.S. adversaries,” defense expert Cameron Chell stated to Digital.
The CEO asserted, “Specifically concerning Russia and China, it influences how the U.S. positions itself in negotiations over peace agreements, treaty conditions, and the potential neutralization of their current arsenals.”
The Golden Dome is conceptualized as a long-range defense system intended to shield North America from ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missile attacks.
Chell’s comments followed the January 23 unveiling of the U.S. National Defense Strategy, which details a reinforced emphasis on homeland defense, enhanced missile defense, counter-drone technology, cyber capabilities, and long-range strike forces.
According to the strategy document, the proposed Golden Dome shield is engineered to counter “large missile barrages and other advanced aerial attacks,” while also strengthening military and critical civilian infrastructure against cyber threats, especially as Russia and China advance their hypersonic weapons programs.
Digital had previously reported that China has also voiced criticism of the U.S. missile defense plan, alleging that Washington is eroding global strategic stability and promoting the militarization of space.
“There is substantial strategic value in the discussions and development phase of the Golden Dome, well before construction begins, alongside the research and technological advancements it generates,” Chell remarked.
“The strategic positioning and the process of constructing such a system are also key reasons for its importance,” he added.
The immense scope of the project is anticipated to amplify its strategic influence, though it may also carry a colossal cost.
“Constructing the dome will require trillions of dollars, making it the most extensive military undertaking, and likely the largest engineering and technology project in history, which will inevitably present significant challenges,” Chell explained.
He noted that “The U.S. has a decade of planning behind it, covering the placement of communication links, radar systems, and early warning systems,” describing this groundwork as comprehensive.
“To effectively defend the U.S., the objective is to intercept threats before they cross into the nation’s airspace,” Chell said.
“Areas such as Canada, or territories further north, would serve as the engagement zone. The goal is to neutralize these threats at the earliest opportunity.”
Northern regions are considered essential by U.S. defense strategists for providing radar coverage, space tracking, and early-warning capabilities.
“The concept involves intercepting objects from space, but achieving that demands highly detailed topographical data of the entire northern region and requires access to it,” Chell stated.
President Trump has consistently emphasized the importance of the Arctic for U.S. national security, pointing to its strategic position and abundant natural resources.
“Establishing infrastructure and monitoring capabilities in the far north, including Canada, Greenland, and similar locations, is necessary,” Chell said. “All such planning must be completed long before the system becomes operational.”
Chell also highlighted the possible role of drones in aiding the Golden Dome’s comprehensive operations.
“Drones could support the Golden Dome by functioning as reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering assets,” he said, noting that the “entire military apparatus is interconnected.”
Digital has contacted the Department of War for a statement.