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
2 Options to Prevent the Next Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Will it be NATO membership or the Israel model?
Biden Set to OK Cluster Munitions for Ukraine
The decision to send the controversial weapons comes after months of knife fights within the U.S. administration.
The Wagner Mutiny Could Strengthen Iran in Syria
Putin faces a choice between punishing Prigozhin and ceding influence and territory to Tehran.
The Putin-Prigozhin Fight Now Has a Syrian Battlefield
The Kremlin is trying to take control of the Wagner Group’s Middle Eastern empire.
Prigozhin Should Study Europe’s Greatest Mercenary
Albrecht von Wallenstein was the Holy Roman Empire’s power broker—until he clashed with his superior.
Is Revolt in Russia Good for America?
The Wagner Group’s short-lived mutiny seems to have weakened Putin—but that isn’t necessarily a win for Washington.
Adam Tooze: How Putin Overstretched His Military in Ukraine
Last weekend’s mutiny was partly the product of a mismanaged authoritarian state.
Russia’s Nukes Are Probably Secure From Rogue Actors
Moscow has a tight command-and-control system—but there’s always a risk.
Xi’s Schadenfreude Over Moscow’s Mutiny
Xi feels vindicated over Putin’s style of governance—but has made a bad bet on the Russian leader.
Wagner Mutiny Rattles the Kremlin’s War in Ukraine
With its good fighters out of the picture, Russia’s manpower problems get worse.
Russia’s Periphery Takes Note of Putin’s Sudden Weakness
In Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Wagner rebellion has exposed Russia’s fragility.
Putin’s Strongman Image Suddenly Unravels for Russians
His mishandling of the revolt puts him in the spotlight—and Russians don’t like what they see.
Putin’s Stability Was Always a Myth
Prigozhin’s revolt has exposed the rotten foundations of a mafia state.
Congress Presses Biden to Deliver Cluster Munitions to Ukraine
Lawmakers from both parties want Ukraine to have the tools to root out entrenched Russian occupiers.
Wagner’s Revolt May Weaken Russia’s Draft
Conscripts will fear being used as stopgaps in Ukraine.
Why Kornilov’s Ghost Haunts Putin
A 1917 attempted coup d’etat is a reminder that even an ineffective mutiny can alter the course of history.