Russia’s War in Ukraine
News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.
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.
Russia’s Next Opposition Will Not Be Liberal
Army corruption and mass death are breeding new dissent—deep inside Vladimir Putin’s loyal core.
Ukraine Needs More Drones
Tight cooperation with Beijing and Tehran is giving Moscow an edge on the critical weapons.
Putin vs. the Press
You’d have to be fearless or a fanatic to persist in journalism in Russia. These women are both.
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.
Europe Is on Its Own With Russia Now
Donald Trump’s latest U-turn on Ukraine doesn’t change the naked truth for Europe.
Battlefield Strategy
Why the White House Is Considering Tomahawks for Ukraine
The move makes sense for U.S. strategy, but it may cause heartburn for isolationist and Pacific-focused Pentagon leaders.
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.
Europe’s Delusions Over What It Means to Deter Russia
Leaders are afraid to tell voters what it will take to defend their continent.
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’s Oil Earnings May Get Clobbered by OPEC
Big supply increases this year threaten a global oil glut that could knock the Kremlin’s budget out of whack.
How the EU Could Push Hungary and Slovakia to Quit Russian Oil
But a call from Hungary to Trump could easily spoil its plans.
Europe Outlines New Sanctions on Russia
EU measures to kneecap energy, banks, and defense firms contrast with Washington’s passivity.
A Pragmatic Endgame for the Russia-Ukraine War
A clever map trick, Ukrainian self-defense, and European Union membership should form the core of a face-saving deal.
Russia Just Attacked NATO. Again.
One can only hope that Trump will draw the right conclusion: Coddling Putin leads to disaster.
My Theory Says Sanctions on Russia Won’t Work. So Why Do I Want Them Anyway?
The inventor of the sanctions paradox stress-tests it 25 years on.
Europe and the U.S. Still Haven’t Choked Off Russia’s Energy Riches
The Russian economy may be wobbly, but it is still funding a deadly war with oil and gas sales.
How Much Aid Is the U.S. Still Giving Ukraine?
Despite President Donald Trump’s claims that Washington is no longer funding the war, the reality is more complex.
Putin’s Fear of a Humiliating Economic Crisis
Greater sanctions pressure could finally bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
Stop Fabulating About ‘Security Guarantees’ for Ukraine
The best way to protect Ukraine from another Russian invasion is helping it to win.
Why the Donbas Matters to Putin So Much
The region is at the heart of the Ukraine war.
Is Ukraine the Future of Asia?
Washington’s switch to accommodating Moscow’s geopolitical goals sends an ominous signal.
7 Lingering Questions After the Trump Ukraine Summit
After a flurry of diplomacy, what was actually agreed to?
Why Steve Witkoff Is Trump’s Master of Disaster
The helpless envoy embodies everything that is dysfunctional about current U.S. foreign policy.
How Much of Ukraine Does Russia Control?
The situation remains challenging along the 600-mile front line.
Key Takeaways From Trump’s Meeting With Zelensky
Less fireworks in the White House, but no definitive outcomes just yet.