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. President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15.
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15.

Trump’s Putin Gambit Failed—but Maybe It Was Still Worth Trying

Successful diplomacy of any kind requires some kind of high-stakes compromise.

Analysis
Michael Hirsh
Vladimir Puting gives a speech while standing behind a podium. In the background are a few people on stage sitting in chairs and many people off stage sitting down.
Vladimir Puting gives a speech while standing behind a podium. In the background are a few people on stage sitting in chairs and many people off stage sitting down.

The Battle Inside Russia’s Elite

As wealthy Russians maneuver to shift blame for the costs of Moscow’s war, Washington can subtly shift their incentives.

Argument
Kirill Shamiev
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019.

The Risks of the Trump-Putin Summit

Experts weigh in on what they’re watching for in Alaska.

Analysis
John Haltiwanger
Putin walks on a patterned tile floor in a brightly lit room, both arms outstretched and his palms facing up as he smiles. Russian flags and a bronze statue are visible decorating the room in the background.
Putin walks on a patterned tile floor in a brightly lit room, both arms outstretched and his palms facing up as he smiles. Russian flags and a bronze statue are visible decorating the room in the background.

Trump Piles the Pressure on Putin

So far, it’s more signals than sanctions.

Analysis
Rishi Iyengar, Keith Johnson
Russian President Vladimir Putin stands at a podium in front of a submarine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stands at a podium in front of a submarine.

Russia’s Submarine Plans Are Bad News for the West

Moscow can challenge foreign navies under the waves. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Elisabeth Braw
Trump sits on an upholstered chair in the Oval Office, leaning forward slightly as he rests his hands on his knees. Rutte sits in a matching chair next to him, his hand on his chin. Vice President J.D. Vance and others sit on a sofa to the right, microphones on poles hanging over their heads.
Trump sits on an upholstered chair in the Oval Office, leaning forward slightly as he rests his hands on his knees. Rutte sits in a matching chair next to him, his hand on his chin. Vice President J.D. Vance and others sit on a sofa to the right, microphones on poles hanging over their heads.

Do Trump’s Lines in the Sand Mean Anything?

Blustering threats to Putin over Ukraine are reminiscent of Obama’s Syria failure.

Analysis
Luke McGee
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky poses for a photo during the European Political Community summit at the Congress Center in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 5, 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky poses for a photo during the European Political Community summit at the Congress Center in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 5, 2023.

Ukrainians Show Zelensky the Limits of His Power

Forcing the government to retreat on corruption is a triumph of democracy in wartime.

Analysis
Adrian Karatnycky
An illustration shows a missile shooting through the ear of a silhouetted person against a static-y backdrop of the Russian flag.
An illustration shows a missile shooting through the ear of a silhouetted person against a static-y backdrop of the Russian flag.

Russia’s War Is Also Cognitive

To achieve more, Putin needs others to do less. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Nataliya Bugayova
Protesters shout slogans and hold placards during a demonstration against a law that removes the independence of the NABU and SAPO anti-corruption agencies in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 24.
Protesters shout slogans and hold placards during a demonstration against a law that removes the independence of the NABU and SAPO anti-corruption agencies in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 24.

Ukraine’s Cronyism Crisis Offers a Warning to the ‘De-Risking’ World

A series of scandals has put Kyiv’s public institutions under the microscope.

Argument
Luke Cooper
Ukrainians demonstrate against of a new law regulating the work of anti-corruption authorities in Kyiv on July 23.
Ukrainians demonstrate against of a new law regulating the work of anti-corruption authorities in Kyiv on July 23.

Democracy Is Ukraine’s Most Powerful Weapon

Protesters seem to have beaten back Volodymyr Zelensky’s assault on anti-corruption agencies.

Argument
Christian Caryl
A soldier stands in a field with bare trees behind him. He holds a large winged drone up as he launches it against a cloudy dramatic sky.
A soldier stands in a field with bare trees behind him. He holds a large winged drone up as he launches it against a cloudy dramatic sky.

The Air Battle That Could Decide the Russia-Ukraine War

Kyiv’s front-line drone superiority has been slipping away as Moscow’s forces adapt. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Franz-Stefan Gady
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with U.S. President Donald Trump (L) during Pope Francis’s funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with U.S. President Donald Trump (L) during Pope Francis’s funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Can Trump Be Sold on Supporting Ukraine?

A changeable president seems to be turning against Putin.

Argument
Luke McGee
Trump and Putin
Trump and Putin

Trump’s Ukraine Shift Sends the Right Signal to Putin

But there won’t be peace without additional pressure on the Kremlin.

Argument
Luke Coffey
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on July 14.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on July 14.

There’s Less to Trump’s Ukraine Shift Than Meets the Eye

Europe will buy unspecified weapons for Ukraine, and Russia gets a long reprieve from sanctions.

Argument
Christian Caryl
Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv on July 4.
Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv on July 4.

It’s Official: America Can’t Be Trusted

Flip-flops, uncertainty, and the Pentagon’s freelancing on weapons aid leave Ukraine and European allies in the lurch.

Analysis
Christian Caryl
Small-caliber ammunition is seen during the opening of Mesko SA’s new ammunition production hall in Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland.
Small-caliber ammunition is seen during the opening of Mesko SA’s new ammunition production hall in Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland.

Ukraine’s Arms Industry Is the Wild West

Battle experience may give Ukrainian manufacturers the edge.

Analysis
Luke McGee
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