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
What Ukraine’s Dam Collapse Means for the War
The breach could unleash a disastrous new humanitarian crisis as Kyiv readies its counteroffensive.
Blockade Runners Keep War-Torn Ukraine Working
“We’re basically homeless here, but at least we’re home.”
Taiwan Faces No Trade-Offs With Ukraine
But Taipei is also getting tired of supply chain issues.
Ukrainian U.N. Ambassador: Russia Is ‘Mold That Invades Your House’
Sergiy Kyslytsya talks about Putin’s nuclear blackmail, what to do with the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and how even Henry Kissinger can learn.
Putin Wants You to Think He’s an Anti-Woke Crusader
By pitching himself as a hero to the U.S. right, he’s taking a page from the 1960s North Vietnamese playbook to undermine support for Ukraine.
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.