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’s Farmland Is a Literal Minefield
With their livelihoods threatened and the state stretched thin, agricultural workers are taking demining into their own hands.
A Day Inside Putin’s Surreal Television Empire
How the nonstop blare of Russian state media fuels the war effort—and blurs reality.
The Last Big Weapon on Ukraine’s Wish List
Lawmakers want Biden to send long-range ATACMS sooner rather than later.
No, Russia Is Not Massively Skirting Sanctions
Eight takeaways about Russian evasion of Western sanctions.
It’s Back-to-School Season for Ukrainian Fighter Pilots
Kyiv’s top brass hopes to get Western fighter jets before their kids go off to college.
4 Ways U.S. Support for Ukraine Helps Defend Taiwan
From deterrence to military readiness, Ukraine aid is a major boost to Pacific security.
Russia Is Already Looking Beyond Ukraine
Moscow’s massive losses may not neutralize its threat to NATO countries.
Turn Ukraine Into a Bristling Porcupine
No matter how this war ends, Russia will need to be deterred from attacking again.
Russia’s Frighteningly Fascist Youth
A new generation of Russians glorifies war, death, and Vladimir Putin.
How Kyiv Is Wooing the Global South
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova on convincing the rest of the world to stand on the right side of history.
Holding Russia Accountable for War Crimes Is Harder Than It Looks
Debate rages over whether to pick the “gold, silver, or bronze” medal option for prosecuting war crimes.
A South African Scandal Could Shake Up Relations With Washington
Do South Africa’s denials that it supplied weapons to Russia ring true?
Ukraine Begins Pre-Offensive Probe of Russian Lines
“I would really hate to be a Russian private sitting in a trench right now,” said one former U.S. military commander.
Ukraine’s Next Big Diplomatic Offensive Is in the Global South
More ambassadors, more embassies, and, the hope is, more countering Russia.
China Won’t Let Russia Starve the World
The end of the Black Sea Grain Initiative would hurt Beijing, too.
Russia’s Convict-Soldiers Have Their Own Brutal Rules
The recruitment of prisoners via the Wagner Group has boosted manpower but cost morale.