Russia’s War in Ukraine

News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.

Putin, in a black suit and purple tie, holds a champagne flute.
Putin, in a black suit and purple tie, holds a champagne flute.

Trump’s Russia Sanctions Are Really Putting the Hurt On

He was late to the show, but he brought a big stick.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
The first batch of the Ukrainian-made drone missile "Peklo" is shown before its delivery to the Ukrainian military in Kyiv on Dec. 6, 2024.
The first batch of the Ukrainian-made drone missile "Peklo" is shown before its delivery to the Ukrainian military in Kyiv on Dec. 6, 2024.

A Complacent Pentagon Needs to Learn From Ukraine

The Europeans are deeply engaged with Kyiv on defense technology, but Washington is lagging behind.

Analysis
Christian Caryl
A Patriot air defense system protects an airport used for weapons deliveries to Ukraine in Jasionka, Poland, on March 6.
A Patriot air defense system protects an airport used for weapons deliveries to Ukraine in Jasionka, Poland, on March 6.

How to Get More U.S. Weapons to Ukraine

Opening Europe’s 150 billion euro defense fund to U.S. companies could seal the deal. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Bart M. J. Szewczyk
A blond woman in a black suit sits behind a sign with her last name on it. The EU flag is seen behind her.
A blond woman in a black suit sits behind a sign with her last name on it. The EU flag is seen behind her.

Ukraine’s New U.S. Ambassador Previews Her Pragmatic Approach to Washington

“I am Ukrainian, right? I’m not a Democrat or Republican.”

Interview
Sam Skove
Putin gives an interview
Putin gives an interview

From Moldova to Africa, Russia’s Power Is Waning

The defeat of Moscow-friendly parties in the Moldovan election is just the latest of many setbacks.

Analysis
Adrian Karatnycky, Alexander J. Motyl
Maria Semyonova, wife of a Russian soldier, poses in front of a recruitment poster in Moscow on December 17, 2023.
Maria Semyonova, wife of a Russian soldier, poses in front of a recruitment poster in Moscow on December 17, 2023.

How to Fight Putin on the Information Battlefield

The West can’t fully adopt Russia’s methods—but it should study them. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Peter Pomerantsev, Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi

Battlefield Strategy

A fiery orange and black explosion behind a gray razor wire fence.
A fiery orange and black explosion behind a gray razor wire fence.

Ukraine Is Hitting Russia Where It Hurts: Its Oil Refineries

Kyiv’s two-year offensive against Russian oil facilities has intensified, eating away at Moscow’s energy revenues.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Soldiers of the 115th Mechanized Brigade in a house where they are staying when not on the front lines near Lyman, Ukraine.
Soldiers of the 115th Mechanized Brigade in a house where they are staying when not on the front lines near Lyman, Ukraine.

The Mood on the Front Line, Three Years On

Ukrainian troops watch with anxiety as the United States moves closer to talks with Russia over the war.

Dispatch
Fabrice Deprez
Drones fly above grass in an open field dotted with trees and small sheds.
Drones fly above grass in an open field dotted with trees and small sheds.

How Russia Is Escalating the Drone Arms Race

Routine strikes involve smaller, daily launches designed to keep steady pressure on Ukraine. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Yasir Atalan
The oil tanker Eagle S is seen anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland, on Jan. 7.
The oil tanker Eagle S is seen anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland, on Jan. 7.

The ‘Paper Tiger’ Still Has Its Shadow Fleet

Trump says Russia is in economic trouble—but there’s a loophole in the West’s sanctions.

Argument
Petras Katinas

Wartime Diplomacy

From left, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
From left, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Trump Makes U-Turn on Ukraine Rhetoric

Trump says Ukraine can win back all of its territory.

Report
Sam Skove
A Finnish defender is seen near the front during the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in early 1940.
A Finnish defender is seen near the front during the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in early 1940.

The Ghost of Finlandization Is Haunting the Ukraine Debate

A 1944 armistice that traded land for peace is a poor precedent for ending Russia’s war. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Kristi Raik
U.S. President Donald Trump announces U.S. strikes on Iran with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth standing alongside, at the White House in Washington on June 21.
U.S. President Donald Trump announces U.S. strikes on Iran with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth standing alongside, at the White House in Washington on June 21.

An Emerging Trump Doctrine?

Success in the Middle East could be a template for a new approach to Russia’s war.

Argument
Adrian Karatnycky
Workers construct an outdoor ice skating rink in Red Square in downtown Moscow on Nov. 9, 2021.
Workers construct an outdoor ice skating rink in Red Square in downtown Moscow on Nov. 9, 2021.

What the Next Round of Sanctions Against Russia Should Look Like

Moscow has successfully restructured its economy on an impressive war footing, but there are weaknesses under the hood. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Nicholas Fenton, Maria Snegovaya

Regional Dynamics

U.S. Marines take part in the international military exercise Cold Response 22 near Sandstrand in northern Norway on March 21, 2022.
U.S. Marines take part in the international military exercise Cold Response 22 near Sandstrand in northern Norway on March 21, 2022.

A Russia-NATO War Would Look Nothing Like Ukraine

Moscow will seek to avoid a full-on war and focus on breaking the bloc’s resolve. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Fabian Hoffmann
Ukrainian soldiers hold the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags over the coffin of Tomas Valentelis, a Lithuanian volunteer in the Ukrainian army who was killed in battle in Ukraine, at a funeral ceremony in Kyiv on April 16.
Ukrainian soldiers hold the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags over the coffin of Tomas Valentelis, a Lithuanian volunteer in the Ukrainian army who was killed in battle in Ukraine, at a funeral ceremony in Kyiv on April 16.

To Deter Russia, Europe Needs Ukraine

A Ukraine-Baltics defense pact would bring Kyiv into Europe’s security architecture.

Argument
Fredrik Wesslau
The oil tanker Eagle S next to Finnish border guard ship Uisko and tugboat Ukko in the Gulf of Finland on December 28, 2024.
The oil tanker Eagle S next to Finnish border guard ship Uisko and tugboat Ukko in the Gulf of Finland on December 28, 2024.

Anchors Away

Finland’s failure to convict Russian crew clears the way for more cable-cutting attacks.

Argument
Elisabeth Braw
A photo of two white tanks near a yellow crane. A blue-and-white tanker carrying liquified natural gas is docked nearby in snow and sea ice. White smoke billows out of its smokestack.
A photo of two white tanks near a yellow crane. A blue-and-white tanker carrying liquified natural gas is docked nearby in snow and sea ice. White smoke billows out of its smokestack.

The China-Russia Axis Is Getting Firmer, and It’s Built on Gas

Moscow pivoted to the east a decade ago, but it is now besmitten—or captive.

Analysis
Keith Johnson

Latest Stories

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks to reporters alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks to reporters alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Still Has a Lend-Leash Act for Ukraine

Washington is finding ways to get Kyiv more money—but keeps it hamstrung from actually fighting the war.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Ukrainian servicemen fire artillery during an anti-drone drill in Chernigiv oblast, Ukraine, on Nov. 11, 2023.
Ukrainian servicemen fire artillery during an anti-drone drill in Chernigiv oblast, Ukraine, on Nov. 11, 2023.

Biden’s Catch-22 in Ukraine

Washington’s backing for Kyiv and avoidance of risk are increasingly at odds.

Analysis
Raphael S. Cohen, Gian Gentile
A man stands among debris in front of a residential building damaged as a result of a missile attack in Kharkiv.
A man stands among debris in front of a residential building damaged as a result of a missile attack in Kharkiv.

Russia Advances on Kharkiv as Ukraine Struggles to Fight Back

Moscow is exploiting Biden’s restrictive rules on U.S. weapons use to make gains, Ukrainian officials say.

Report
Jack Detsch
A 23-kiloton nuclear test explosion is seen at the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 18. 1953.
A 23-kiloton nuclear test explosion is seen at the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 18. 1953.

The Changing Nuclear Mind Game

Russia’s nuclear threats to reach conventional goals in Ukraine mark a new era of brinkmanship.

Argument
Rose Gottemoeller
A head-and-shoulders photo of a man with white hair wearing a suit and tie.
A head-and-shoulders photo of a man with white hair wearing a suit and tie.

Who Is Russia’s New Defense Minister?

Putin’s appointment of economist Andrei Belousov suggests Moscow is digging in for the long haul.

Report
Amy Mackinnon
A woman wearing mittens, a coat, and a winter hat touches a flag with a soldier's face on it to her face. Behind her is a snowy graveyard scene with flowers and Ukrainian flags.
A woman wearing mittens, a coat, and a winter hat touches a flag with a soldier's face on it to her face. Behind her is a snowy graveyard scene with flowers and Ukrainian flags.

The Resilience of Ukraine’s War Widows

Perhaps tens of thousands of Ukrainian women have lost their partners in the conflict with Russia. They look to rebuild amid precarity and uncertainty.

Dispatch
Liz Cookman, Paula Bronstein
Joe Biden stands at a lectern and behind it is an American flag and a Ukrainian flag.
Joe Biden stands at a lectern and behind it is an American flag and a Ukrainian flag.

What Does America Want in Ukraine?

Washington’s current approach is a strategic cop-out—and risks making another forever war.

Argument
Emma Ashford, Joshua Shifrinson, Stephen Wertheim
Russian President Vladimir Putin reviews an honor guard of the presidential regiment following his inauguration ceremony at Sobornaya Square in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reviews an honor guard of the presidential regiment following his inauguration ceremony at Sobornaya Square in Moscow.

Putin Begins Fifth Term With Nuclear Drills

The Russian leader was sworn in amid spiraling tensions with the West.

Analysis
Amy Mackinnon
Protesters attend a rally organized by the ruling Georgian Dream party aimed at countering days of mass anti-government protests over a controversial “foreign agent” bill in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Protesters attend a rally organized by the ruling Georgian Dream party aimed at countering days of mass anti-government protests over a controversial “foreign agent” bill in Tbilisi, Georgia.

How Georgia Sided With Its Enemy

Georgians are angry at the government’s pro-Russian turn.

Dispatch
Ani Chkhikvadze
A man wearing a suit and tie is surrounded by members of the media holding phones and tape recorders.
A man wearing a suit and tie is surrounded by members of the media holding phones and tape recorders.

‘Russia Feels Like They’re Winning’

A top House Democrat gets real on Ukraine, Israel, and China.

Insider
Robbie Gramer, Jack Detsch
U.S. Representative Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, speakings during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 29, 2021.
U.S. Representative Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, speakings during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 29, 2021.

Top House Democrat ‘Deeply Worried’ About Israel’s War Strategy in Gaza

Israel is losing the support of Democrats over how it’s prosecuting the war, lawmaker warns.

Situation Report
Robbie Gramer, Jack Detsch
Soldiers wearing camouflage fatigues visit a makeshift memorial for Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Moscow. The informal memorial is on the side of a street and is covered with flags, photos of Prigozhin, and candles.
Soldiers wearing camouflage fatigues visit a makeshift memorial for Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Moscow. The informal memorial is on the side of a street and is covered with flags, photos of Prigozhin, and candles.

What Do Russians Really Think About Putin’s War?

Polling has gotten harder as autocracy has tightened.

Argument
Christian Caryl
Activists wave Ukrainian flags ahead of a pivotal vote to approve new national security funding, including Ukraine aid, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Activists wave Ukrainian flags ahead of a pivotal vote to approve new national security funding, including Ukraine aid, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Allies Relieved After Senate Passes Long-Delayed Aid Bill

But the fact it took so long to pass has some worried about future support.

Report
Robbie Gramer, Rishi Iyengar
Ukrainian service members fire at Russian positions on March 27, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian service members fire at Russian positions on March 27, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine Is Still Outgunned by Russia

Even with the approval of new U.S. aid, most of the artillery Ukraine needs won’t get to the front until next year.

Analysis
Jack Detsch
A broken glass box at the looted Kherson Regional Museum after the Russian withdrawal from the city on Dec. 22, 2022.
A broken glass box at the looted Kherson Regional Museum after the Russian withdrawal from the city on Dec. 22, 2022.

Russia Is Committing Cultural Genocide in Ukraine

Historical falsification, youth indoctrination, and the plunder of artifacts reveal the Kremlin’s true objectives.

Argument
Jade McGlynn
Greenpeace activists pose with placards as they stage a protest seeking to block the oil tanker "Seychelles Pioneer," reportedly carrying Russian oil, in the Port of Antwerp on April 10, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Greenpeace activists pose with placards as they stage a protest seeking to block the oil tanker "Seychelles Pioneer," reportedly carrying Russian oil, in the Port of Antwerp on April 10, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s Shadow Fleet Could Create Strange Allies

Both Greenpeace and NATO are working against off-book oil tankers.

Argument
Elisabeth Braw
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