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
There’s Less to Trump’s Ukraine Shift Than Meets the Eye
Europe will buy unspecified weapons for Ukraine, and Russia gets a long reprieve from sanctions.
It’s Official: America Can’t Be Trusted
Flip-flops, uncertainty, and the Pentagon’s freelancing on weapons aid leave Ukraine and European allies in the lurch.
Ukraine’s Arms Industry Is the Wild West
Battle experience may give Ukrainian manufacturers the edge.
Why Russia Is Sitting Out This Round of the Israel-Iran Conflict
As Putin’s dependence on Iran decreases, he seeks to maintain ties with Tehran’s regional rivals.
Can NATO Keep It Together?
Nine thinkers on this year’s summit and the alliance’s uncertain future.
The Metternich of the Bronx
Witkoff’s diplomacy has spectacularly failed, but he is likely to continue to play a major role.
‘The Battle for Kyiv’ Captures a Desperate Time
Oz Katerji’s film brings back the wild first weeks of war.
Another Bad Night in Kyiv
A sleepless public is enduring a wave of Putin’s attacks on civilians.
What Is the Impact of Ukraine’s Raid on Russia’s Air Force?
Operation Spider’s Web will enter military history as one of the more daring raids.
Putin Is a Gambler, not a Grand Master
The Russian president has abandoned real strategy for a single goal.
How Russia Responds to Ukraine’s Drone Attack Depends on Trump
Trump needs to “defuse this situation,” said a former director of Russia analysis at the CIA.
Why Does Russia Propose Cease-Fires It Won’t Uphold?
Kremlin rhetoric aims to shape narratives at home and abroad.
Trump’s Russia Strategy Is All Carrots, No Stick
“The Russians are obviously not responding to the current approach,” one expert said.
The U.S. Must Not Gift Crimea to Putin
Washington’s latest peace proposal would reward Russia for starting its war in Ukraine.
Why Elections in Ukraine Will Not End the War
Washington’s curious adoption of a key Kremlin demand is based on unrealistic expectations.
Why Putin Is Stalling Trump on Ukraine
The Russian leader cannot afford to end the war he started.