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
Wartime Elections in Ukraine Are Impossible
Voting in the middle of the Russian invasion is legally and practically unworkable.
The Long, Destructive Shadow of Obama’s Russia Doctrine
A series of bad decisions during the Obama years prepared the ground for Vladimir Putin’s war.
Russia’s War Comes for Academia
Severed ties between U.S. and Russian scholars are straining the field to a breaking point.
Prigozhin’s Failed Coup Was a Blessing in Disguise
In times of political instability, Washington prefers the nuclear devil it knows.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen: ‘Putin Has Exploited Our Hesitation’
NATO’s former secretary-general on the case for arming Ukraine and what to expect at the Vilnius summit.
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.