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
Ukraine Is Already Working on Its Next Election
The challenges of holding a vote in wartime are both small and big—and often unexpected.
Russia’s Crimean Red Line Has Been Erased
Claims about the territory’s spiritual status have been revealed to be fiction.
U.S. Budget Deal Has Europe Questioning American Resolve on Ukraine
If U.S. military aid falls short, more Ukrainians will die, officials in Kyiv say.
‘We Don’t Want to Lose Our Second Motherland’
Mustafa Nayyem fights to rebuild Ukraine.
North Korea’s Shell Game Is Not a Game-Changer, Pentagon Says
Moscow’s deal with Pyongyang for more artillery rounds will fill Russian gaps—but likely not turn the tables in Ukraine.
What Does Victory Look Like in Ukraine?
Ukrainians differ on what would keep their nation safe from Russia.
Meet Ukraine’s New Defense Boss
He’s not the same as the old boss.
Ukraine Is Getting Its Abrams—but Not What It Really Wants
U.S. military support for Kyiv continues, but political resistance means no long-range fire.
Musk’s Starlink Shutdown Raises Eyebrows
No one man should have all that power, U.S. lawmakers say.
Russia’s Home Port in Occupied Crimea Is Under Fire
“If you’re on a Russian naval ship, you’re not safe anywhere in the Black Sea,” said one retired U.S. admiral.
Russia’s Would-Be Assassins Still Stalk Europe’s Streets
Moscow’s regular spies have been expelled. Their kill squads are still active.
The Washington Whiz Kids Mapping the War in Ukraine
How the Institute For the Study of War became the media’s go-to source for tracking the Russian invasion.
Prigozhin’s Assassination Was Business, Not Revenge
The Wagner chief broke the deal struck with Putin for his survival.
Ukraine’s Long and Sordid History of Treason
For money or out of conviction, some Ukrainians are helping Russia kill their compatriots.
New Russian Schoolbooks Preach Hatred of Ukraine and the West
The Kremlin has taken indoctrination and historical falsification to a new level.
New Russian Law Takes Corporate Hostages
Western companies’ assets are under threat.