Opinion: Alexey Zubritsky’s Orbit Is Putin’s Political Statement
Alexey Zubritsky, born in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine in?1992, transitioned from Ukrainian Air Force pilot to Roscosmos cosmonaut aboard Soyuz?MS?27 on April?8,?2025a mission now orbiting over the International Space Station . However, Ukraine charges him with desertion and high treason, sentencing him in absentia to 15 years in prison .
A Political Persona Crafted in Space
His inclusion on this ISS mission is far from an innocent career milestone. Moscow is weaponizing Zubritskys presence in space as propagandabroadcasting a narrative of defection being rewarded. From Kazakhstans Baikonur to 400?km above Earth, this is geopolitical theatera deliberate message to Russias domestic audience and the world: align with Russia and you fly.
?? Ignoring Ukrainian Sovereignty
For Ukraine, this launch is a callous affront. Ukrainian prosecutors rightly denounced it as damaging the sovereignty, territorial integrity and defence capability of the nation . Promoting a convicted traitor as a space hero deepens the wound and undercuts any moral ground Russia might hold.
? ISS Cooperation Between Principles and Pragmatism
Zubritskys presence alongside NASAs Johnny Kim and others illustrates a fragile truce in orbit. Russia and the West continue technical collaboration aboard the ISS under past agreements . But when someone onboard is a symbol of betrayal on Earth, that apolitical faade fractures.
The Human Factor: Beyond Propaganda
At the center of this story is a man who made a consequential choice in 2014: he defected when ordered back to Ukraine, instead joining Russian forces . Did personal conviction or opportunism guide him? Regardless, Zubritsky's orbit is now inseparable from ideologyand conflict.
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