Russia’s War in Ukraine
News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.
Trump’s Russia Sanctions Are Really Putting the Hurt On
He was late to the show, but he brought a big stick.
A Complacent Pentagon Needs to Learn From Ukraine
The Europeans are deeply engaged with Kyiv on defense technology, but Washington is lagging behind.
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. 
Ukraine’s New U.S. Ambassador Previews Her Pragmatic Approach to Washington
“I am Ukrainian, right? I’m not a Democrat or Republican.”
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.
How to Fight Putin on the Information Battlefield
The West can’t fully adopt Russia’s methods—but it should study them.
Battlefield Strategy
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.
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.
How Russia Is Escalating the Drone Arms Race
Routine strikes involve smaller, daily launches designed to keep steady pressure on Ukraine.
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.
Wartime Diplomacy
Trump Makes U-Turn on Ukraine Rhetoric
Trump says Ukraine can win back all of its territory.
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.
An Emerging Trump Doctrine?
Success in the Middle East could be a template for a new approach to Russia’s war.
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.
Regional Dynamics
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.
To Deter Russia, Europe Needs Ukraine
A Ukraine-Baltics defense pact would bring Kyiv into Europe’s security architecture.
Anchors Away
Finland’s failure to convict Russian crew clears the way for more cable-cutting attacks.
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.
Latest Stories
Germany Is Failing Ukraine—and Europe
Berlin is scared of acknowledging Russia’s real threat.
Russia’s War Machine Runs on Western Parts
Despite sanctions, Moscow is still importing critical weapon components from the U.S. and Europe.
It’s Time to Declare Putin an Illegitimate Leader
Russia’s sham elections next month—with voting on occupied Ukrainian territory—should not be recognized.
Russia’s Democratic Future Won’t Start in Moscow
Regional protests are the seedbed for change.
Ukraine Isn’t Putin’s War—It’s Russia’s War
Jade McGlynn’s books paint an unsettling picture of ordinary Russians’ support for the invasion and occupation of Ukraine.
There Must Be a Reckoning for Russian War Crimes
Systematic atrocities are integral to Moscow’s way of waging war—and should not be condoned.
Ukraine Needs More Fighters
But further mobilization is unpopular—and politically sensitive.
Two Years On, What’s Next in Ukraine?
Eight thinkers shed light on the state of the war.
The Age of Intelligence Diplomacy
The Iraq War highlighted its risks. Russia’s war in Ukraine showcased its opportunities.
Specter of Another War in Europe Hangs Over Munich
Fears of a Russian attack on NATO spark existential questions at the Munich Security Conference.
NATO’s Silver Lining Playbook
On Ukraine, Western officials say things are bad but they could be a lot worse.
Ukraine’s War of Art
In Mariupol, a controversial mural is caught up in efforts to rewrite national identity.
Navalny’s Death Shocks World Leaders in Munich
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris declared “Russia is responsible” for the opposition leader’s demise.
Anxious World Leaders Descend on Munich
Doubts on Ukraine and growing alarm about a second Trump term are likely to dominate the agenda.
European Lawmakers Issue Dire Warnings Over Stalled Ukraine Aid Package
“If you don’t want another Pearl Harbor, you better listen to us,” cautioned one Lithuanian politician.
Is Africa Corps a Rebranded Wagner Group?
The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin has accelerated a shift in Russia’s interventions on the continent.