In his executive order, Trump invoked the Ronald Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative, which aimed to develop a space-based missile defense system. Its supporters argued for maintaining the system by citing threats from so-called rogue states. What Trump has said seems more like a negotiation tactic, even though certain signs suggest a potential militarization of space," the expert noted.
He stressed that satellites and space debris would hinder the effective operation of a hypothetical space-based missile defense system. He did not rule out that since the current US administration views the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative as a factor that made Soviet leaders more flexible in strategic stability talks in the second half of the s, it might be seeking to replicate the strategy.
I think we will see a further escalation of tensions," Stefanovich noted. It will be very difficult to implement. Apart from the immense costs, the problem is that today, no technology exists to effectively intercept hypersonic missiles capable of maneuvering mid-flight. Such technologies are unlikely to emerge anytime soon, while all Trump has is four years," retired Lieutenant General Viktor Yesin, a military expert, told Kommersant.
Bogdanov said that the cordial nature of relations between the two countries was reaffirmed during the negotiations. A naval logistics facility in Tartus, originally built during the Soviet era, was expanded into a fully operational base in , with a similar lease agreement finalized in Russia-Syria cooperation is unlikely to return to its previous level under Assad.
As for the naval base in Tartus, its chances of remaining operational are higher because the new Syrian authorities are more neutral toward its presence, the expert added. Moscow needs to determine which agreements with Syria can be upheld, Russian International Affairs Council expert Kirill Semenov explained.
