U.S.-Russia military cooperation stalls after Ukraine invasion

In the 1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, U.S. and Russian relations briefly improved, highlighted by a move towards transparency regarding nuclear capabilities. During this period, Russian President Boris Yeltsin shared critical information about nuclear strike protocols with U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, marking a period of unprecedented openness that facilitated both nations' agreements to reduce their nuclear arsenals. Military personnel exchanged visits to each other’s nuclear facilities, aimed at maintaining trust amid this drawdown of nuclear weapons. However, complications arose during these goodwill visits, such as a security incident involving Russian generals mishandling access passes, which significantly cooled these exchanges. The momentum built during the 1990s was significantly disrupted in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, leading the U.S. to suspend military meetings and inspections that had been established two decades earlier. This shift marked a considerable change in post-Cold War dynamics, reversing the collaborative efforts made during the Yeltsin era. William M. Moon, who worked on nuclear security programs for over 20 years, reflects on this transition, noting that the hope for continued cooperation seemed far from reality as relations deteriorated. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated nuclear arms treaty compliance efforts, as ongoing inspections were halted. Eventually, as tensions continued to rise and Russia displayed aggression towards Ukraine, communication ceased altogether between the two militaries, marking a stark contrast to the optimism of prior engagements. Moon expresses deep concern over this regression, highlighting the troubling shift from the collaborative spirit of the 1990s to a scenario characterized by conflict and hostility. Looking back, Moon notes the tragic irony of having hoped that his extensive work with the Russian military would lead to further reductions in nuclear tension. Instead, the current situation reflects a world where Russia has opted for aggression and war rather than cooperation and trust. This chilling development serves as a reminder of how swiftly diplomatic ties can erode, raising critical questions about future interactions between the U.S. and Russia amidst ongoing global security challenges.