Russia’s War in Ukraine
News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.
Russia and Ukraine Are as Far Apart as Ever
Despite Trump’s efforts, negotiation will only come when both parties believe their interests are better served by talking than fighting. 
7 Lingering Questions After the Trump Ukraine Summit
After a flurry of diplomacy, what was actually agreed to?
Grading Trump’s Ukraine Diplomacy
Key takeaways from a spate of high-level meetings in Alaska and Washington.
How Europe Can Pressure Putin—Without Trump
Now that Trump appears to have sworn off additional economic sanctions to push Russia into a cease-fire, Europe may have to go it alone.
Why the Donbas Matters to Putin So Much
The region is at the heart of the Ukraine war.
Key Takeaways From Trump’s Meeting With Zelensky
Less fireworks in the White House, but no definitive outcomes just yet.
Battlefield Strategy
Why Don’t Russian Soldiers Revolt?
Astonishing death rates and brutal abuse have not kept troops from following orders.
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.
Ukraine’s Pocket-Sized Answer to Russian Drones
Moscow has the upper hand in electronic warfare. Can grassroots-led efforts help Kyiv catch up?
The Ukrainians’ New Way of War
The audacious drone attack deep into Russia’s rear fits a larger pattern of wartime innovation.
Wartime Diplomacy
Do Trump’s Lines in the Sand Mean Anything?
Blustering threats to Putin over Ukraine are reminiscent of Obama’s Syria failure.
It’s Time for a New Trans-Atlantic Bargain
Europe should take primary responsibility for its security, but the United States needs to deliver key assurances to allow such a transition.
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.
A European Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine Won’t Work
Any plan needs NATO involvement to be credible.
What Europe Can Do If Trump Drops Russia Sanctions
Europe has much more economic leverage on the Kremlin than Washington.
Ukraine Has Become Europe’s Arsenal
The Ukrainian arms industry has kept its own country—and potentially the entire continent—competitive on the battlefield.
Latest Stories
The West Is Still Oblivious to Russia’s Information War
Paralyzed by free speech concerns, Western governments are loath to act.
State Department Beefs Up U.S. Diplomatic Presence in Kyiv
Lawmakers still think the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is too small, and diplomats can’t get close enough to the front lines.
Ukrainians Are Using an App to Return Home
The land war may be conventional, but Kyiv’s approach to reconstruction is anything but.
Europe Edges Closer to ‘Plan B’ for Using Frozen Russian Money
Leery of seizing all of Russia’s state assets, Europe may opt for a next-best approach that could still provide Ukraine billions of euros a year.
The West Can No Longer Hesitate on Ukraine
Allies must provide Kyiv with what it needs to win the war and secure the peace: arms supplies and a path to NATO membership.
Ukrainians Are Resilient—But They Still Need Washington
In Kyiv, all eyes are on the U.S. congressional fight over aid.
Making Sense of Macron’s Hint at Troops in Ukraine
Keeping all options open could serve deterrence—but does nothing to help Ukraine now.
Ukrainian Civilians Are Pioneering the Art of Resistance
Nonviolent tools are undercutting the Russian occupation.
NATO’s Military Has a New Nerve Center
The alliance has transformed its once sleepy headquarters into a war command focused on Russia.
NATO’s Confusion Over the Russia Threat
Scenarios and timelines for Moscow’s possible war goals in Europe are a veritable Tetris game of alliance planning.
A Tale of Haunted Love Captures Wartime Ukraine
“Daybreak” is a nightmarish romance about the horrors of war.
Ukrainian Artists Struggle With War’s Impact
Questions of authenticity and loss hang over new works.
The Children Russia Tried to Steal
Tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia. Liza Batsura made it home.
How Do-Gooders Are Deflating the Defense Industry
Investing in weapons manufacturers has long been taboo. Now, ESG policies are hurting the bottom line in Ukraine.
Germany Is Failing Ukraine—and Europe
Berlin is scared of acknowledging Russia’s real threat.
Russia’s War Machine Runs on Western Parts
Despite sanctions, Moscow is still importing critical weapon components from the U.S. and Europe.