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.”
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
Russia Is Stepping Up Its Covert War Beyond Ukraine
New data suggests a troubling new phase in the Kremlin’s tactics that directly threatens the lives of Europeans.
Russian Assets Are Europe’s Trump Card
With the incoming administration seeking to cut U.S. aid to Ukraine, Europe should tap the Kremlin’s frozen reserves.
How We Got Here in the Russia-Ukraine War
Our must-read articles on the state of the conflict, its impact on the global order, and the chance for peace.
Will European Troops Enforce a Cease-Fire in Ukraine?
France is drumming up support for a peacekeeping force. It may be Europe’s only option to prevent an even bloodier war.
Ukraine Backers Make Last-Ditch Effort to Seize Russian Assets
With Trump heading to the White House again, it’s now or never to finance Kyiv, advocates say.
Can Trump Really End the War in Ukraine?
A Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize winner weighs in on his prospects.
What a Victorious Ukraine Can Offer Europe
With trans-Atlantic cooperation under scrutiny, a battle-tested land power will be ready to step into the breach.
Trump Should Make Putin Wince Before They Sit Down to Talk
A maximum pressure campaign would raise the likelihood of a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.
China and North Korea Throw U.S. War Plans Out the Window
The intervention of Asian powers in Europe nullifies decades of U.S. strategic planning.
Ukraine’s Missing Medical Mobilization
Kyiv’s reluctance to fully mobilize means that frontline medical units are perpetually short on staff.
The Pitfalls for Europe of a Trump-Putin Deal on Ukraine
Russian interest in peace is no given, and Europe may not be on board.
The Price of a Bad Peace
The West is tired. Putin is not.
Putin Is Throwing Human Waves at Ukraine but Can’t Do It Forever
The Russian meat grinder strategy is terribly effective, terribly wasteful, and boundlessly cruel.
The Only Way to Achieve Lasting Peace in Ukraine
History shows that security arrangements alone will not be enough.
Biden’s Complicated Ukraine Legacy
A vital but halting supply of military aid has opened up the U.S. president to criticism from all sides.
New Missiles Won’t Change Ukraine’s Broken War Math
The incoming Trump administration needs to learn from Biden’s mistakes.