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
Casualties Won’t Topple Putin
But they will make his job much more difficult.
Washington Does Damage Control on Ukraine War Leaks
Both Washington and Kyiv sought to downplay the more than 50 classified documents that surfaced on an internet server in March.
Ukraine’s Leopard Tank Crews Are Trained and Ready to Fight
Advanced tanks will be critical to any summer offensive.
Russia’s State-Backed Mercenaries Are Building a Brand on Cruelty
The Wagner Group is strikingly reckless with its own men’s lives.
The U.S. and NATO Seek to Blunt Putin’s Black Sea Ambitions
The war in Ukraine exposes a vulnerable seam in NATO strategy.
Why Neutrality Is Obsolete in the 21st Century
As Finland joins NATO, a few European holdouts cling to nonalignment.
China’s ‘Peace Plan’ for Ukraine Isn’t About Peace
Beijing’s diplomatic overture has three ulterior motives.
Will U.S. Support for Ukraine Outlast Biden?
China hawks in Washington rattle nerves in Europe.
India’s Defense Plans Fall Victim to Putin’s War
Russian weapons dominate India’s arsenal, but Moscow can no longer deliver.
Finland’s ‘NATO Option’ Set to Become Reality
Putin’s war in Ukraine is about to add 800 miles to his headaches.
How to Benchmark Victory in Ukraine
Western vagueness about war aims is creating a risky vacuum for the Kremlin to exploit.
The U.S. Should Get Over Its Short War Obsession
No one wants long, grueling wars—but the consequences of impatience can be worse.
Why Latin America Will Stay Nonaligned
As Argentina’s president prepares to meet with the U.S. president, the bloc’s consensus on Russia’s war in Ukraine will be put to the test.
Russia Has the Hydrocarbons, but China Has the Cash
Moscow is stumbling on energy diplomacy even now.
Russia’s Disinformation Machine Has a Middle East Advantage
Russian state-run media outlets have spread the Kremlin’s Ukraine war narrative effectively in the region.
The Nuclear Education of Vladimir Putin
There is evidence the Russian president is not ignorant of the security benefits of arms control.