Russia’s War in Ukraine

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

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
Russian flags fly above the graves of Russian soldiers
Russian flags fly above the graves of Russian soldiers

Russia’s Next Opposition Will Not Be Liberal

Army corruption and mass death are breeding new dissent—deep inside Vladimir Putin’s loyal core.

Analysis
Alexey Kovalev
A man holds a drone in Ukraine.
A man holds a drone in Ukraine.

Ukraine Needs More Drones

Tight cooperation with Beijing and Tehran is giving Moscow an edge on the critical weapons.

Analysis
Sam Skove
A woman in a red face mask and a coat over a red hoodie stands on a sidewalk, holding a laptop and speaking on her phone. Cars drive past behind her, with a suitcase and an international airport visible in the background.
A woman in a red face mask and a coat over a red hoodie stands on a sidewalk, holding a laptop and speaking on her phone. Cars drive past behind her, with a suitcase and an international airport visible in the background.

Putin vs. the Press

You’d have to be fearless or a fanatic to persist in journalism in Russia. These women are both.

Review
Anastasia Edel
Putin gives an interview
Putin gives an interview

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.

Analysis
Adrian Karatnycky, Alexander J. Motyl
Donald Trump leaves UNGA following his speech
Donald Trump leaves UNGA following his speech

Europe Is on Its Own With Russia Now

Donald Trump’s latest U-turn on Ukraine doesn’t change the naked truth for Europe.

Analysis
Christian Caryl

Battlefield Strategy

A Tomahawk missile launches from a boat
A Tomahawk missile launches from a boat

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.

Analysis
Sam Skove
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
Macron, Starmer, and Merz talk at a summit in Tirana, Albania
Macron, Starmer, and Merz talk at a summit in Tirana, Albania

Europe’s Delusions Over What It Means to Deter Russia

Leaders are afraid to tell voters what it will take to defend their continent. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Franz-Stefan Gady
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

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas wears a military helmet and sunglasses as she leans in to speak with a British military commander in camouflage fatigues beneath the green canopy of trees that line a roadway in Estonia. The British ambassador to Estonia stands beside them, taking off his own helmet as he watches.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas wears a military helmet and sunglasses as she leans in to speak with a British military commander in camouflage fatigues beneath the green canopy of trees that line a roadway in Estonia. The British ambassador to Estonia stands beside them, taking off his own helmet as he watches.

Putin’s Baltic Provocations Are Raising Western Hackles

From redrawn maritime borders to suspected sabotage, Moscow is trying to exert power in a long-coveted region.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Russian President Vladimir Putin sits in front of a microphone with his hands clasped, watching the Uzbek president, not seen, deliver a statement. A Russian flag hangs behind Putin, who wears a dark suit and tie.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sits in front of a microphone with his hands clasped, watching the Uzbek president, not seen, deliver a statement. A Russian flag hangs behind Putin, who wears a dark suit and tie.

Putin Is Obsessed With Russian Liberals

Attacks on the movement show how insecure Russia’s dictator feels.

Dispatch
Justin Ling
A pencil illustration shows Gordon Sondland with his hands folded under his chin.
A pencil illustration shows Gordon Sondland with his hands folded under his chin.

The Advocate

Ukraine and the Europeans are vexed about how to deal with Trump. Gordon Sondland has a playbook.

Interview
Robbie Gramer
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks to reporters alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks to reporters alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Still Has a Lend-Leash Act for Ukraine

Washington is finding ways to get Kyiv more money—but keeps it hamstrung from actually fighting the war.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Ukrainian servicemen fire artillery during an anti-drone drill in Chernigiv oblast, Ukraine, on Nov. 11, 2023.
Ukrainian servicemen fire artillery during an anti-drone drill in Chernigiv oblast, Ukraine, on Nov. 11, 2023.

Biden’s Catch-22 in Ukraine

Washington’s backing for Kyiv and avoidance of risk are increasingly at odds.

Analysis
Raphael S. Cohen, Gian Gentile
A man stands among debris in front of a residential building damaged as a result of a missile attack in Kharkiv.
A man stands among debris in front of a residential building damaged as a result of a missile attack in Kharkiv.

Russia Advances on Kharkiv as Ukraine Struggles to Fight Back

Moscow is exploiting Biden’s restrictive rules on U.S. weapons use to make gains, Ukrainian officials say.

Report
Jack Detsch
A 23-kiloton nuclear test explosion is seen at the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 18 1953.
A 23-kiloton nuclear test explosion is seen at the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 18 1953.

The Changing Nuclear Mind Game

Russia’s nuclear threats to reach conventional goals in Ukraine mark a new era of brinkmanship.

Argument
Rose Gottemoeller
A head-and-shoulders photo of a man with white hair wearing a suit and tie.
A head-and-shoulders photo of a man with white hair wearing a suit and tie.

Who Is Russia’s New Defense Minister?

Putin’s appointment of economist Andrei Belousov suggests Moscow is digging in for the long haul.

Report
Amy Mackinnon
A woman wearing mittens, a coat, and a winter hat touches a flag with a soldier's face on it to her face. Behind her is a snowy graveyard scene with flowers and Ukrainian flags.
A woman wearing mittens, a coat, and a winter hat touches a flag with a soldier's face on it to her face. Behind her is a snowy graveyard scene with flowers and Ukrainian flags.

The Resilience of Ukraine’s War Widows

Perhaps tens of thousands of Ukrainian women have lost their partners in the conflict with Russia. They look to rebuild amid precarity and uncertainty.

Dispatch
Liz Cookman, Paula Bronstein
Joe Biden stands at a lectern and behind it is an American flag and a Ukrainian flag.
Joe Biden stands at a lectern and behind it is an American flag and a Ukrainian flag.

What Does America Want in Ukraine?

Washington’s current approach is a strategic cop-out—and risks making another forever war.

Argument
Emma Ashford, Joshua Shifrinson, Stephen Wertheim
Russian President Vladimir Putin reviews an honor guard of the presidential regiment following his inauguration ceremony at Sobornaya Square in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reviews an honor guard of the presidential regiment following his inauguration ceremony at Sobornaya Square in Moscow.

Putin Begins Fifth Term With Nuclear Drills

The Russian leader was sworn in amid spiraling tensions with the West.

Analysis
Amy Mackinnon
Protesters attend a rally organized by the ruling Georgian Dream party aimed at countering days of mass anti-government protests over a controversial “foreign agent” bill in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Protesters attend a rally organized by the ruling Georgian Dream party aimed at countering days of mass anti-government protests over a controversial “foreign agent” bill in Tbilisi, Georgia.

How Georgia Sided With Its Enemy

Georgians are angry at the government’s pro-Russian turn.

Dispatch
Ani Chkhikvadze
A man wearing a suit and tie is surrounded by members of the media holding phones and tape recorders.
A man wearing a suit and tie is surrounded by members of the media holding phones and tape recorders.

‘Russia Feels Like They’re Winning’

A top House Democrat gets real on Ukraine, Israel, and China.

Insider
Robbie Gramer, Jack Detsch
U.S. Representative Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, speakings during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 29, 2021.
U.S. Representative Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, speakings during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 29, 2021.

Top House Democrat ‘Deeply Worried’ About Israel’s War Strategy in Gaza

Israel is losing the support of Democrats over how it’s prosecuting the war, lawmaker warns.

Situation Report
Robbie Gramer, Jack Detsch
Soldiers wearing camouflage fatigues visit a makeshift memorial for Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Moscow. The informal memorial is on the side of a street and is covered with flags, photos of Prigozhin, and candles.
Soldiers wearing camouflage fatigues visit a makeshift memorial for Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Moscow. The informal memorial is on the side of a street and is covered with flags, photos of Prigozhin, and candles.

What Do Russians Really Think About Putin’s War?

Polling has gotten harder as autocracy has tightened.

Argument
Christian Caryl
Activists wave Ukrainian flags ahead of a pivotal vote to approve new national security funding, including Ukraine aid, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Activists wave Ukrainian flags ahead of a pivotal vote to approve new national security funding, including Ukraine aid, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Allies Relieved After Senate Passes Long-Delayed Aid Bill

But the fact it took so long to pass has some worried about future support.

Report
Robbie Gramer, Rishi Iyengar
Load More Stories
Loading graphics