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
It’s Time to Declare Putin an Illegitimate Leader
Russia’s sham elections next month—with voting on occupied Ukrainian territory—should not be recognized.
Russia’s Democratic Future Won’t Start in Moscow
Regional protests are the seedbed for change.
Ukraine Isn’t Putin’s War—It’s Russia’s War
Jade McGlynn’s books paint an unsettling picture of ordinary Russians’ support for the invasion and occupation of Ukraine.
There Must Be a Reckoning for Russian War Crimes
Systematic atrocities are integral to Moscow’s way of waging war—and should not be condoned.
Ukraine Needs More Fighters
But further mobilization is unpopular—and politically sensitive.
Two Years On, What’s Next in Ukraine?
Eight thinkers shed light on the state of the war.
The Age of Intelligence Diplomacy
The Iraq War highlighted its risks. Russia’s war in Ukraine showcased its opportunities.
Specter of Another War in Europe Hangs Over Munich
Fears of a Russian attack on NATO spark existential questions at the Munich Security Conference.
NATO’s Silver Lining Playbook
On Ukraine, Western officials say things are bad but they could be a lot worse.
Ukraine’s War of Art
In Mariupol, a controversial mural is caught up in efforts to rewrite national identity.
Navalny’s Death Shocks World Leaders in Munich
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris declared “Russia is responsible” for the opposition leader’s demise.
Anxious World Leaders Descend on Munich
Doubts on Ukraine and growing alarm about a second Trump term are likely to dominate the agenda.
European Lawmakers Issue Dire Warnings Over Stalled Ukraine Aid Package
“If you don’t want another Pearl Harbor, you better listen to us,” cautioned one Lithuanian politician.
Is Africa Corps a Rebranded Wagner Group?
The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin has accelerated a shift in Russia’s interventions on the continent.
Sweden Is Making the Most of NATO’s Waiting Room
Sweden’s military has taken a 500-year path to joining NATO, from the Vikings through Napoleon and neutrality. So what’s another few months?
Ukraine’s Military Faces Major Shake-up
Valery Zaluzhny, the general credited with many of Ukraine’s battlefield successes, is likely headed for the exits.