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
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.
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.