Russia’s War in Ukraine

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

Putin sits at a table with his hands flat on the surface, leaning forward slightly. He wears a dark suit and tie; a Russian flag hangs in the background.
Putin sits at a table with his hands flat on the surface, leaning forward slightly. He wears a dark suit and tie; a Russian flag hangs in the background.

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. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Ivo H. Daalder
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.

7 Lingering Questions After the Trump Ukraine Summit

After a flurry of diplomacy, what was actually agreed to?

Explainer
Keith Johnson
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, DC on August 18.
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, DC on August 18.

Grading Trump’s Ukraine Diplomacy

Key takeaways from a spate of high-level meetings in Alaska and Washington. This article has an audio recording

Insider
Ravi Agrawal
(First row, from left) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose for a family picture during a “coalition of the willing” summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris on March 27.
(First row, from left) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose for a family picture during a “coalition of the willing” summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris on March 27.

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. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Keith Johnson
A soldier in a helmet and residents in T-shirts look toward a smoking house on the horizon.
A soldier in a helmet and residents in T-shirts look toward a smoking house on the horizon.

Why the Donbas Matters to Putin So Much

The region is at the heart of the Ukraine war.

Explainer
John Haltiwanger
Zelensky (left) gestures and laughs as he sits next to Trump who laughs as he holds a sheet of paper as they talk in front of the gilded backdrop of the Oval Office.
Zelensky (left) gestures and laughs as he sits next to Trump who laughs as he holds a sheet of paper as they talk in front of the gilded backdrop of the Oval Office.

Key Takeaways From Trump’s Meeting With Zelensky

Less fireworks in the White House, but no definitive outcomes just yet. This article has an audio recording

Report
Rishi Iyengar

Battlefield Strategy

Russian soldiers practice marching
Russian soldiers practice marching

Why Don’t Russian Soldiers Revolt?

Astonishing death rates and brutal abuse have not kept troops from following orders.

Analysis
Amelie Tolvin
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
Volunteers and Ukrainian military personnel attend a presentation about radio electronic warfare and intelligence systems made by the Ukrainian company Kvertus in Ukraine’s Lviv region on May 28.
Volunteers and Ukrainian military personnel attend a presentation about radio electronic warfare and intelligence systems made by the Ukrainian company Kvertus in Ukraine’s Lviv region on May 28.

Ukraine’s Pocket-Sized Answer to Russian Drones

Moscow has the upper hand in electronic warfare. Can grassroots-led efforts help Kyiv catch up?

Analysis
Fabrice Deprez
The first batch of the Ukrainian-made Peklo drone missile is delivered to a Ukrainian Armed Forces facility in Kyiv on Dec. 6, 2024.
The first batch of the Ukrainian-made Peklo drone missile is delivered to a Ukrainian Armed Forces facility in Kyiv on Dec. 6, 2024.

The Ukrainians’ New Way of War

The audacious drone attack deep into Russia’s rear fits a larger pattern of wartime innovation.

Analysis
Christian Caryl

Wartime Diplomacy

Trump sits on an upholstered chair in the Oval Office, leaning forward slightly as he rests his hands on his knees. Rutte sits in a matching chair next to him, his hand on his chin. Vice President J.D. Vance and others sit on a sofa to the right, microphones on poles hanging over their heads.
Trump sits on an upholstered chair in the Oval Office, leaning forward slightly as he rests his hands on his knees. Rutte sits in a matching chair next to him, his hand on his chin. Vice President J.D. Vance and others sit on a sofa to the right, microphones on poles hanging over their heads.

Do Trump’s Lines in the Sand Mean Anything?

Blustering threats to Putin over Ukraine are reminiscent of Obama’s Syria failure.

Analysis
Luke McGee
NATO military forces during a display to demonstrate NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy forces from Europe, in Smardan, Romania.
NATO military forces during a display to demonstrate NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy forces from Europe, in Smardan, Romania.

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.

Argument
Ivo H. Daalder
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
People walk along a street past a mural dedicated to Oleksandr Khmil, a former hockey player and coach killed in battle against Russian troops, in Kyiv on May 15.
People walk along a street past a mural dedicated to Oleksandr Khmil, a former hockey player and coach killed in battle against Russian troops, in Kyiv on May 15.

A European Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine Won’t Work

Any plan needs NATO involvement to be credible. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Azeem Ibrahim
A large ship in the ocean
A large ship in the ocean

What Europe Can Do If Trump Drops Russia Sanctions

Europe has much more economic leverage on the Kremlin than Washington.

Analysis
Agathe Demarais
A worker in a white fireproof smock and face guard is seen from across a room at a factory as they shovel smoldering coals into a massive metal furnace. The room is dim other than the bright light from the furnace and the scattered glow of coal spread across the floor.
A worker in a white fireproof smock and face guard is seen from across a room at a factory as they shovel smoldering coals into a massive metal furnace. The room is dim other than the bright light from the furnace and the scattered glow of coal spread across the floor.

Ukraine Has Become Europe’s Arsenal

The Ukrainian arms industry has kept its own country—and potentially the entire continent—competitive on the battlefield. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Paul Hockenos

Latest Stories

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Central Bank of Russia chief Elvira Nabiullina at the Kremlin in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Central Bank of Russia chief Elvira Nabiullina at the Kremlin in Moscow.

Russia’s Bank Chief Is Running Her Own PR Campaign

Moscow’s economic paradoxes offer an opportunity for Ukraine.

Argument
Natalia Antonova
Russian soldiers train at a military camp.
Russian soldiers train at a military camp.

Russia’s Military Cruelty Begins With Its Own Conscripts

Brutal hazing breaks and humiliates Russian soldiers—and they take it out on civilians. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Kristaps Andrejsons
Children kiss a portrait of their father, Oleg Skybyk, a Ukrainian fallen soldier, as they visit his grave at Lychakiv Cemetery in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.
Children kiss a portrait of their father, Oleg Skybyk, a Ukrainian fallen soldier, as they visit his grave at Lychakiv Cemetery in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

Putin Could Prevail if Ukraine Aid Cut

U.S. and Ukrainian officials sound the alarm as aid to Kyiv is held hostage by congressional battles over the U.S. southern border.

Report
Robbie Gramer, Amy Mackinnon, Jack Detsch
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following their talks in Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following their talks in Kyiv.

Ukraine Doesn’t Want Wartime Elections

Zelensky is following the law—and the public mood.

Argument
Oz Katerji
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speak after a joint press conference after talks in Kyiv on February 2, 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speak after a joint press conference after talks in Kyiv on February 2, 2023.

The EU’s Plan for Ukraine Could Easily Backfire

Membership bids in Europe sometimes accomplish the opposite of what they intend.

Argument
Paul Hockenos
The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.
The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.

America Is a Heartbeat Away From a War It Could Lose

Global war is neither a theoretical contingency nor the fever dream of hawks and militarists.

Shadow Government
A. Wess Mitchell
American and Ukrainian flags near the Capitol Building in Washington.
American and Ukrainian flags near the Capitol Building in Washington.

The Case for Supporting Ukraine Is Crystal Clear

Note to Congress: Ukraine aid is not charity but serves critical U.S. interests.

Argument
Michael McFaul
A fisherman wearing a heavy winter coat and hat can be seen from the side as he turns to watch a plume of smoke rising from a building beyond the far bank of the Dnipro. The man sits on a bench at the stern of his small railboat, and the sky above is overcast and pale gray.
A fisherman wearing a heavy winter coat and hat can be seen from the side as he turns to watch a plume of smoke rising from a building beyond the far bank of the Dnipro. The man sits on a bench at the stern of his small railboat, and the sky above is overcast and pale gray.

Russia Is Shrugging Off Sanctions

The West must get tougher on oil revenues to build a more effective regime.

Argument
John V.C. Nye, Maria Snegovaya
A photo collage illustration shows Russian President Vladamir Putin walking with a shadow cast before him on a red field. In front of him is the crown of a Russian tsar and a Soviet-era statue with hammer, sickle, and star.
A photo collage illustration shows Russian President Vladamir Putin walking with a shadow cast before him on a red field. In front of him is the crown of a Russian tsar and a Soviet-era statue with hammer, sickle, and star.

The Inevitable Fall of Putin’s New Russian Empire

What history tells us about collapsed empires trying to restore their former possessions.

Analysis
Alexander J. Motyl
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stands in a doorway in the U.S. Capitol with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on his left and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on his right during a trip to Washington.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stands in a doorway in the U.S. Capitol with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on his left and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on his right during a trip to Washington.

McConnell’s Ukraine Legacy Turns Into Political Headache

House Republicans sour plans for major joint funding package on Ukraine and Israel.

Situation Report
Robbie Gramer, Rishi Iyengar
Emmanuel Macron welcomes Vladimir Putin
Emmanuel Macron welcomes Vladimir Putin

The Dream of a European Security Order With Russia Is Dead

How the war ends will determine Europe’s future as much as Ukraine’s.

Analysis
Kristi Raik
A member of the Ukrainian special forces is seen in silhouette as a gas station burns after Russian attacks on the city of Kharkiv on March 30, 2022, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A member of the Ukrainian special forces is seen in silhouette as a gas station burns after Russian attacks on the city of Kharkiv on March 30, 2022, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Fiona Hill: Ukraine’s Fate Now Linked to the Middle East’s

The former White House Russia expert on Biden’s speech linking the two wars—and how Putin might cash in.

Insider
Ravi Agrawal
A captain in full uniform and hat uses a cell phone to take a photo during a ceremony to name a Rosneft oil tanker in Russia. A large ship and scaffolding extends behind him as people walk in the distance at the port.
A captain in full uniform and hat uses a cell phone to take a photo during a ceremony to name a Rosneft oil tanker in Russia. A large ship and scaffolding extends behind him as people walk in the distance at the port.

How Russia Evaded the Oil Price Cap

The idea worked well until the Kremlin adapted, which is the usual fate of sanctions.

Analysis
Agathe Demarais
A U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) fires a missile into the East Sea during a joint South Korea-U.S. missile on July 29, 2017.
A U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) fires a missile into the East Sea during a joint South Korea-U.S. missile on July 29, 2017.

Ukraine Targets Russia With Secret New Supply of U.S. Weapons

Kyiv scores hits with long-awaited ATACMS system.

Report
Jack Detsch
A Ukrainian soldier wearing a camouflage military uniform is seen from behind as they walk down a cracked paved road surrounded by grassy fields and open sky. The soldier is holding a rifle and casts a long shadow.
A Ukrainian soldier wearing a camouflage military uniform is seen from behind as they walk down a cracked paved road surrounded by grassy fields and open sky. The soldier is holding a rifle and casts a long shadow.

Negotiating With Russia Is Still a Bad Idea

The rationale for forcing Ukraine to stop fighting keeps changing with the facts on the ground.

Argument
Raphael S. Cohen, Gian Gentile
A woman walks past a building damaged in a drone attack in Moscow on Aug. 23.
A woman walks past a building damaged in a drone attack in Moscow on Aug. 23.

Are Ukraine’s Airstrikes in Russia Effective?

The attacks hinder Russian warfighting, but Ukrainian leaders probably seek a more strategic impact.

Analysis
Daniel Byman
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