Securing Ukraine: Designing a Credible Air Deterrent After a Ceasefire

As peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine intensify, Western policymakers must prepare for a post-ceasefire reality that will likely see Moscow shift tactics rather than abandon its strategic ambitions. Military experts argue that a credible air deterrent—an integrated Allied Air Command for Ukraine—is essential to make any ceasefire sustainable. This architecture would unify Ukrainian and NATO-allied airpower, air defense systems, and intelligence assets under unified command, enabling rapid response to Russian violations. Without such integration, any peace agreement risks becoming merely a pause in Russian aggression.