Russia’s War in Ukraine

News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.

The city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, shrouded in fog, where destroyed homes and buildings seem to be abandoned among the city's trees following intense fighting.
The city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, shrouded in fog, where destroyed homes and buildings seem to be abandoned among the city's trees following intense fighting.

Trump’s New Ukraine Policy Is Old Hat

The White House may soon preside over the first negotiated defeat of a modern democracy.

Argument
Fareed Zakaria
British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declares "peace for our time" at Heston Aerodrome in London on his return from negotiations with Adolf Hitler in Munich, Germany.
British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declares "peace for our time" at Heston Aerodrome in London on his return from negotiations with Adolf Hitler in Munich, Germany.

Don’t Call This a ‘Peace Plan’

If the U.S.-Russia draft for Ukraine goes forward, Donald Trump will be remembered as the Neville Chamberlain of the 21st century.

Analysis
Christian Caryl
U.S. President Donald Trump walks from the Maine One presidential helicopter to Air Force One on Sept. 22.
U.S. President Donald Trump walks from the Maine One presidential helicopter to Air Force One on Sept. 22.

Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan Is a Step Forward

For Europe, continued war is perhaps not entirely unwelcome.

Argument
Emma Ashford
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
Dmitriev, a man with white but balding hair in a suit and wearing glasses, stands next to a young soldier in an ornate dress uniform and helmet. The younger man is giving Dmitriev the side-eye.
Dmitriev, a man with white but balding hair in a suit and wearing glasses, stands next to a young soldier in an ornate dress uniform and helmet. The younger man is giving Dmitriev the side-eye.

Putin’s Unlikely Envoy to Washington

Kirill Dmitriev is a prominent purveyor of the Kremlin’s line—but real power may lie elsewhere. This article has an audio recording

Profile
Sam Skove, John Haltiwanger
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

People take part in Mongolian Lunar New Year celebrations in Aga Buryatia, Russia.
People take part in Mongolian Lunar New Year celebrations in Aga Buryatia, Russia.

What Happens to Russia’s Ethnic Minorities After the War?

Mistreatment, exploitation, and Russia’s own history suggest a precarious postwar future.

Argument
David Kirichenko, Alexander J. Motyl
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff face each other smiling and shake hands in the foreground while a man stands in the background, gripping the back of a chair in a large formal room.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff face each other smiling and shake hands in the foreground while a man stands in the background, gripping the back of a chair in a large formal room.

House Republicans Slam Witkoff Over Handling of Russia-Ukraine Talks

Republican opposition to the Trump administration’s chaotic approach to Russia-Ukraine negotiations is growing.

Report
Rachel Oswald
Several Trump administration officials are seen sitting at a long table in front of the national flags of the United States and Ukraine.
Several Trump administration officials are seen sitting at a long table in front of the national flags of the United States and Ukraine.

Trump’s Dizzying Ukraine Diplomacy

The U.S. president is optimistic about a peace deal, but major obstacles remain.

Situation Report
John Haltiwanger, Rishi Iyengar
A view of the Russian Central Bank building in central Moscow on May 26, 2022.
A view of the Russian Central Bank building in central Moscow on May 26, 2022.

The U.S.-Russia Plan Gives Trump a $300 Billion Signing Bonus

If Europe moves fast to seize Russian assets, it may be able to sink this bad deal.

Argument
Agathe Demarais
Yermak and Rubio stand side by side in front of U.S. and Ukrainian flags. Yermak is looking downward, while Rubio gestures with his right arm in what appears to be a slight shrugging motion.
Yermak and Rubio stand side by side in front of U.S. and Ukrainian flags. Yermak is looking downward, while Rubio gestures with his right arm in what appears to be a slight shrugging motion.

Trump’s Ukraine Peace Effort Devolves Into Chaos Over Conflicting Stories

Senators say Rubio told them the 28-point plan was not a U.S. product, only for the secretary to claim the reverse.

Report
Rachel Oswald, John Haltiwanger
Two Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of an air attack.
Two Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of an air attack.

Trump Presents Ukraine With a ‘Very Tough Choice’

Zelensky said he’s being asked to decide between Ukraine losing its dignity or losing a key partner.

Analysis
Sam Skove, John Haltiwanger
A Ukrainian flag is attached to a burned out car in front of what appears to be a large residential building that also shows burn damage.
A Ukrainian flag is attached to a burned out car in front of what appears to be a large residential building that also shows burn damage.

What to Know About the Secret U.S.-Russia Peace Plan for Ukraine

Steve Witkoff reportedly hashed the details out with Putin’s envoy in Miami last month.

Analysis
Sam Skove, John Haltiwanger
A pile of mostly red flowers rests at the feet of a statue of a soldier. Behind it are the large letters Z and V and graves.
A pile of mostly red flowers rests at the feet of a statue of a soldier. Behind it are the large letters Z and V and graves.

The Deathonomics of Putin’s War

“Black widows” marrying soldiers to collect death benefits are symptomatic of society-wide rot.

Analysis
Alexey Kovalev
A man walks in front of a damaged building
A man walks in front of a damaged building

With Help From New Tactics and Drones, Russia Closes in on Another Ukrainian City

Russia is increasingly sophisticated in using and defending against drones in urban areas.

Analysis
Sam Skove
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
A Russian security officer in a dark uniform and fur hat stands in front of the metal bars of the defendants' cage with a serious expression on his face. Behind him, in the cage, are three men—Sergunin, Liptser, and Kobzev. Sergunin wears a black hoodie, Liptser a white shirt, and the third a blue button-up shirt. The scene takes place in a Russian courtroom; Liptser and Kobzev are craning their necks to see around the guard and into the room.
A Russian security officer in a dark uniform and fur hat stands in front of the metal bars of the defendants' cage with a serious expression on his face. Behind him, in the cage, are three men—Sergunin, Liptser, and Kobzev. Sergunin wears a black hoodie, Liptser a white shirt, and the third a blue button-up shirt. The scene takes place in a Russian courtroom; Liptser and Kobzev are craning their necks to see around the guard and into the room.

In Putin’s Russia, Even Lawyers Aren’t Safe

Human rights defenders worry that the line between them and the people they represent is beginning to blur.

Report
Anna Conkling
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 helicopter takes off
A helicopter takes off

The U.S. Is Withdrawing Some Troops From Eastern Europe

Top congressional Republicans expressed concern over the lack of consultation.

Report
Sam Skove
A woman is seen in profile as she reached her arm out to light a candle. A few other small candles sit on a table behind her, meaning that her face is backlit and seen mostly in shadow as a silhouette.
A woman is seen in profile as she reached her arm out to light a candle. A few other small candles sit on a table behind her, meaning that her face is backlit and seen mostly in shadow as a silhouette.

Russia Aims to Freeze Ukraine Into Submission

Moscow is targeting Ukraine’s natural gas supply, right with winter just around the corner.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Russian President Vladimir Putin, at left, speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, at right.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, at left, speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, at right.

Why There’s No Easy Button to End the Russia-Ukraine War

Economic carrots and sanctions aren’t powerful enough to compensate Russia for giving up its maximalist aims.

Analysis
Sam Skove
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