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

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko sits behind a placard reading "Belarus" during a meeting of the Belt and Road Forum.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko sits behind a placard reading "Belarus" during a meeting of the Belt and Road Forum.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Belarus?

Washington’s new envoys face a Sisyphean task.

Report
Amy Mackinnon
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the Fox News bureau in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 12.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the Fox News bureau in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 12.

Zelensky Miscalculates With Republicans

That doesn’t bode well for future U.S. support.

Situation Report
Jack Detsch, Robbie Gramer
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Central Bank of Russia chief Elvira Nabiullina at the Kremlin in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Central Bank of Russia chief Elvira Nabiullina at the Kremlin in Moscow.

Russia’s Bank Chief Is Running Her Own PR Campaign

Moscow’s economic paradoxes offer an opportunity for Ukraine.

Argument
Natalia Antonova
Russian soldiers train at a military camp.
Russian soldiers train at a military camp.

Russia’s Military Cruelty Begins With Its Own Conscripts

Brutal hazing breaks and humiliates Russian soldiers—and they take it out on civilians. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Kristaps Andrejsons
Children kiss a portrait of their father, Oleg Skybyk, a Ukrainian fallen soldier, as they visit his grave at Lychakiv Cemetery in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.
Children kiss a portrait of their father, Oleg Skybyk, a Ukrainian fallen soldier, as they visit his grave at Lychakiv Cemetery in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

Putin Could Prevail if Ukraine Aid Cut

U.S. and Ukrainian officials sound the alarm as aid to Kyiv is held hostage by congressional battles over the U.S. southern border.

Report
Robbie Gramer, Amy Mackinnon, Jack Detsch
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following their talks in Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following their talks in Kyiv.

Ukraine Doesn’t Want Wartime Elections

Zelensky is following the law—and the public mood.

Argument
Oz Katerji
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speak after a joint press conference after talks in Kyiv on February 2, 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speak after a joint press conference after talks in Kyiv on February 2, 2023.

The EU’s Plan for Ukraine Could Easily Backfire

Membership bids in Europe sometimes accomplish the opposite of what they intend.

Argument
Paul Hockenos
The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.
The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.

America Is a Heartbeat Away From a War It Could Lose

Global war is neither a theoretical contingency nor the fever dream of hawks and militarists.

Shadow Government
A. Wess Mitchell
American and Ukrainian flags near the Capitol Building in Washington.
American and Ukrainian flags near the Capitol Building in Washington.

The Case for Supporting Ukraine Is Crystal Clear

Note to Congress: Ukraine aid is not charity but serves critical U.S. interests.

Argument
Michael McFaul
A fisherman wearing a heavy winter coat and hat can be seen from the side as he turns to watch a plume of smoke rising from a building beyond the far bank of the Dnipro. The man sits on a bench at the stern of his small railboat, and the sky above is overcast and pale gray.
A fisherman wearing a heavy winter coat and hat can be seen from the side as he turns to watch a plume of smoke rising from a building beyond the far bank of the Dnipro. The man sits on a bench at the stern of his small railboat, and the sky above is overcast and pale gray.

Russia Is Shrugging Off Sanctions

The West must get tougher on oil revenues to build a more effective regime.

Argument
John V.C. Nye, Maria Snegovaya
A photo collage illustration shows Russian President Vladamir Putin walking with a shadow cast before him on a red field. In front of him is the crown of a Russian tsar and a Soviet-era statue with hammer, sickle, and star.
A photo collage illustration shows Russian President Vladamir Putin walking with a shadow cast before him on a red field. In front of him is the crown of a Russian tsar and a Soviet-era statue with hammer, sickle, and star.

The Inevitable Fall of Putin’s New Russian Empire

What history tells us about collapsed empires trying to restore their former possessions.

Analysis
Alexander J. Motyl
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stands in a doorway in the U.S. Capitol with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on his left and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on his right during a trip to Washington.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stands in a doorway in the U.S. Capitol with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on his left and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on his right during a trip to Washington.

McConnell’s Ukraine Legacy Turns Into Political Headache

House Republicans sour plans for major joint funding package on Ukraine and Israel.

Situation Report
Robbie Gramer, Rishi Iyengar
Emmanuel Macron welcomes Vladimir Putin
Emmanuel Macron welcomes Vladimir Putin

The Dream of a European Security Order With Russia Is Dead

How the war ends will determine Europe’s future as much as Ukraine’s.

Analysis
Kristi Raik
A member of the Ukrainian special forces is seen in silhouette as a gas station burns after Russian attacks on the city of Kharkiv on March 30, 2022, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A member of the Ukrainian special forces is seen in silhouette as a gas station burns after Russian attacks on the city of Kharkiv on March 30, 2022, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Fiona Hill: Ukraine’s Fate Now Linked to the Middle East’s

The former White House Russia expert on Biden’s speech linking the two wars—and how Putin might cash in.

Insider
Ravi Agrawal
A captain in full uniform and hat uses a cell phone to take a photo during a ceremony to name a Rosneft oil tanker in Russia. A large ship and scaffolding extends behind him as people walk in the distance at the port.
A captain in full uniform and hat uses a cell phone to take a photo during a ceremony to name a Rosneft oil tanker in Russia. A large ship and scaffolding extends behind him as people walk in the distance at the port.

How Russia Evaded the Oil Price Cap

The idea worked well until the Kremlin adapted, which is the usual fate of sanctions.

Analysis
Agathe Demarais
A U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) fires a missile into the East Sea during a joint South Korea-U.S. missile on July 29, 2017.
A U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) fires a missile into the East Sea during a joint South Korea-U.S. missile on July 29, 2017.

Ukraine Targets Russia With Secret New Supply of U.S. Weapons

Kyiv scores hits with long-awaited ATACMS system.

Report
Jack Detsch
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