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
Russians Expect Nothing From Putin’s War
Political apathy is a psychological survival mechanism—and a possible route to peace.
NATO Is Helping Ukraine to Fight—but Not to Win
The Washington summit was heavy on promises but light on plans.
Can NATO Really Cut Off China?
It’s unlikely that the alliance can fully prevent Chinese companies from fueling Russia’s war machine.
How Orban Became Putin’s Pawn
Among all of Russia’s useful idiots, few have sought to make themselves more useful than the Hungarian prime minister.
How to Make the U.S.-Ukraine Security Pact Stick
The White House and Congress need to start talking.
Ukraine’s Opportunity at the NATO Summit
To secure victory, the alliance must now capitalize on progress made by the G-7.
How Ukraine’s Drone Industry Took Flight
A state campaign rolled back red tape and regulation inherited from its Soviet past.
Ukraine Lays Its Tracks to Europe
By expanding its railways, Kyiv hopes to tie its fate to the rest of the continent.
A New Era of Financial Warfare Has Begun
The West’s latest actions against Russia carry risks for the global system and could provoke China.
Biden and the G-7 Seek to Reassure Ukraine
A new security agreement and $50 billion funding deal signal that the West remains united in Kyiv’s defense—but how long will it last?
Russia Ramps Up Sabotage Operations in Europe
Western officials struggle to respond to a new wave of “hybrid warfare.”
Putin Cuts Ukraine’s Power
With constant assaults on the electricity grid, Moscow is adding an explosive twist to an old playbook.
G-7 Leaders Meet to Ramp Up New Pressure on Russia
Leaders look to lock in commitments ahead of tumultuous election cycles.
NATO Looks to Create New Special Envoy Post in Ukraine
The plan comes as Western leaders debate Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO.
Are Putin’s Nuclear Threats Working?
A new book examines the past and present of Russian thinking on deterrence.
Now Is Not the Time to Negotiate With Putin
If Ukraine enters peace talks, it must do so from a position of strength.