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

A fleet of cameras and reporters surround Lindsey Graham outside the White House.
A fleet of cameras and reporters surround Lindsey Graham outside the White House.

Trump’s Angry Meeting With Zelensky Prompts Reactions Worldwide

The responses were indicative of the shocking nature of the meeting.

Report
John Haltiwanger
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Feb. 28.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Feb. 28.

The Perils of a Reality TV Presidency

The Trump-Zelensky shouting match is a reminder that international diplomacy was never meant to be carried out in front of billions of eyes.

Argument
Ravi Agrawal
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Trump and Zelensky Have an Oval Office Smackdown

Trump has been trying to strong-arm Ukraine for years, but it’s not getting any prettier.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference in Kyiv on Feb. 26.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference in Kyiv on Feb. 26.

Can Trump Force Ukraine to Accept a Peace Deal?

Experts warn that Kyiv won’t sign off on a deal that’s bad for the country.

Situation Report
John Haltiwanger, Rishi Iyengar
A Ukrainian serviceman trains in the woods near the frontline in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian serviceman trains in the woods near the frontline in Ukraine.

Three Years On, What’s Next for Europe and Ukraine?

Nine thinkers on the bombshells coming out of Washington.

Analysis
Daniel Fried, Ulrich Speck, Agathe Demarais, Nathalie Tocci, Garvan Walshe, C. Raja Mohan, Jo Inge Bekkevold, Mick Ryan, Keir Giles, Stefan Theil
Ukrainian soldiers hold up their guns as they move across a snowy landscape.
Ukrainian soldiers hold up their guns as they move across a snowy landscape.

Why Trump Is Wrong About Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Setting the record straight on who started the war.

Analysis
David J. Kramer
Finnish President Alexander Stubb attends a moderated discussion with the NATO secretary-general at the presidential palace in Helsinki.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb attends a moderated discussion with the NATO secretary-general at the presidential palace in Helsinki.

Finland’s President: Trump’s Strategy ‘Is a Bit of a Seesaw’

Alexander Stubb on how Europe is managing growing tensions with the United States.

Insider
Ravi Agrawal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Munich Security Conference in Munich on Feb. 15.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Munich Security Conference in Munich on Feb. 15.

Zelensky’s Big Pitch to Munich

The Ukrainian president called for Europe to build an army.

Situation Report
Rishi Iyengar, Keith Johnson
A man with a beard in a suit and tie speaks behind a teleprompter. The logo for MSC is behind him.
A man with a beard in a suit and tie speaks behind a teleprompter. The logo for MSC is behind him.

Vance Leaves Europe Gobsmacked

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a rebuke on immigration and alleged censorship to a shocked Munich Security Conference.

Situation Report
Rishi Iyengar, Keith Johnson
An illustration shows a cross section of a missile with annotated bits emanating out of it indicating various component parts. The flags of Germany, the United States, Switzerland, and Taiwan are also in the callouts.
An illustration shows a cross section of a missile with annotated bits emanating out of it indicating various component parts. The flags of Germany, the United States, Switzerland, and Taiwan are also in the callouts.

Pax Technica Is Over

The world’s pariah states are building their most lethal weapons using Western electronics.

Analysis
Olena Tregub, Marc R. DeVore
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump take their positions for a group photo with other heads of state and government at the G-20 summit in Osaka.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump take their positions for a group photo with other heads of state and government at the G-20 summit in Osaka.

Trump’s Most Difficult Deal Yet

The U.S. president wants to end the war in Ukraine. Does Russia?

Analysis
Amy Mackinnon
A train passes though countryside to Ungheni in Moldova on Jan. 29, 2016.
A train passes though countryside to Ungheni in Moldova on Jan. 29, 2016.

Russia’s Energy Squeeze on Moldova

The Kremlin hopes Ukraine cutting off Russian gas transits will flip a pro-Western government.

Argument
Kurt Volker
Protest against Nestlé
Protest against Nestlé

Why Are Western Companies Still Financing Putin’s War?

If the moral argument isn’t enough to convince firms to leave Russia, the economics are terrible, too.

Argument
Agathe Demarais
Ukrainian volunteers rebuild the roof of a house that was damaged at the start of Russia's full scale invasion, in the village of Novoselivka, Ukraine, on Oct. 30, 2022.
Ukrainian volunteers rebuild the roof of a house that was damaged at the start of Russia's full scale invasion, in the village of Novoselivka, Ukraine, on Oct. 30, 2022.

The U.S. Case for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

Economic recovery is central to any post-war settlement and comes with major payoffs.

Argument
Richard R. Verma
Two people are silhouetted against a dusky sky as they walk hand-in-hand in front of the edge of a building faced with columns. In the foreground, a large red star hangs from one of the columns with a blue letter Z affixed to its front.
Two people are silhouetted against a dusky sky as they walk hand-in-hand in front of the edge of a building faced with columns. In the foreground, a large red star hangs from one of the columns with a blue letter Z affixed to its front.

Putin’s Victory Will Be a Hollow One

Though the Russian leader may triumph militarily in Ukraine, he has failed to achieve his strategic goals.

Argument
Rajan Menon
U.S. President Joe Biden listens during a briefing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Jan. 10.
U.S. President Joe Biden listens during a briefing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Jan. 10.

Why Is Biden Going After Russian Energy Now?

The outgoing U.S. president hit Russia’s energy sector with the “most significant” sanctions yet.

Analysis
Keith Johnson, Amy Mackinnon
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