If Russia decides to abandon the ISS, their space program is dead forever. They will lose access to all rocket technology and cooperation of the program members FOREVER.
National suicide on their part.
Imho the future of space travel (Moon, Mars) is private enterprise, not nations.
If we have learned anything it is that such programs must be more creative and nimble, not burdened with layers of bureaucracy.
Military satellites and weapons are a separate issue, of course—and none of the major powers will abandon those.
We've been using their rockets to get to/from the space station because we didn't have any that could do it.
Fortunately we have a brand new rocket. I think it will be the largest in the world...15% more thrust than the Saturn-5.
NASA's Brand New SLS Rocket Ready For March 18 Roll Out On Launch Pad; Watch Live Here
Don’t care...