Russia

As diplomatic efforts toward a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire gain momentum, Western policymakers face a critical strategic question: how to ensure any peace agreement actually holds. Military experts warn that history suggests Russia treats ceasefires not as steps toward peace, but as opportunities to rearm and resume pressure through alternative means. Retired Air Force Lieutenant General David A. Deptula and Naval War College Research Fellow Jahara Matisek argue that the key to a durable peace lies in constructing a robust airpower architecture capable of detecting, intercepting, and deterring Russian violations within minutes. Their solution: an Allied Air Command for Ukraine (AAC-U)—a multinational, integrated command structure that would unify Ukrainian fighters, allied aircraft, ground-based air defenses, and intelligence assets under unified control.

Russia faces a significant operational challenge following damage to its primary crew launch facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The incident occurred on November 27, 2025, immediately after the successful liftoff of Soyuz MS-28, which carried two Roscosmos cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut toward the International Space Station. The mission itself proceeded nominally, with the crew arriving at the ISS on schedule. However, shortly after the Soyuz 2.1a rocket cleared the launch tower at Site 31/6, critical ground infrastructure failed catastrophically. The service platform—a vital structure located within the flame trench that supports pre-launch operations and crew access—collapsed into the trench below. Accompanying structural damage included partial destruction of the adjacent access building, with debris scattered across the facility.

As diplomatic efforts intensify between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, security guarantees have become the fulcrum upon which peace negotiations now turn. Multiple reports confirmed Tuesday that Ukraine and the US have reached a tentative agreement framework, marking significant progress after weeks of high-stakes negotiations.