The Russian Incident was an unfortunate happenstance.  The Burning Man AKA Karl Faustus, ordered Powerhouse to attack a Russian Military base.  He claimed they were about to launch an attack on a US Aircraft Carrier.  Powerhouse leveled the base, and to his credit, he minimized the casualties.    His actions were immediately denounced  and his arrest, as well as Faustus’ were issued. 
     Magnum, Strong and Muldoon had to face off Russian Warplanes and some troops before they were called back.    The USA was shown to be THE only superpower on earth.
     Powerhouse was cleared, and the Burning Man was ordered to life in prison.  He escaped and defected to Cuba.