Russia’s War in Ukraine
News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.
To Deter Russia, Europe Needs Ukraine
A Ukraine-Baltics defense pact would bring Kyiv into Europe’s security architecture.
Russia’s Next Opposition Will Not Be Liberal
Army corruption and mass death are breeding new dissent—deep inside Vladimir Putin’s loyal core.
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. 
Will Trump’s Russia Oil Sanctions Finally Sway Putin?
The threat to Moscow’s oil earnings is huge. But will it be enough?
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.
How to Fight Putin on the Information Battlefield
The West can’t fully adopt Russia’s methods—but it should study them.
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.
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
A Complacent Pentagon Needs to Learn From Ukraine
The Europeans are deeply engaged with Kyiv on defense technology, but Washington is lagging behind.
Ukraine’s New U.S. Ambassador Previews Her Pragmatic Approach to Washington
“I am Ukrainian, right? I’m not a Democrat or Republican.”
The U.S. Is Withdrawing Some Troops From Eastern Europe
Top congressional Republicans expressed concern over the lack of consultation.
Russia Aims to Freeze Ukraine Into Submission
Moscow is targeting Ukraine’s natural gas supply, right with winter just around the corner.
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.
U.S. Sanctions Major Russian Energy Companies
The move follows a U.S. decision to cancel plans for a peace summit in Budapest.
Trump-Putin Budapest Summit Crumbles
Analysts and diplomats were already skeptical that the meeting would happen.
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.
Ukraine Needs More Drones
Tight cooperation with Beijing and Tehran is giving Moscow an edge on the critical weapons.
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.
Putin vs. the Press
You’d have to be fearless or a fanatic to persist in journalism in Russia. These women are both.
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 Is on Its Own With Russia Now
Donald Trump’s latest U-turn on Ukraine doesn’t change the naked truth for Europe.
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.