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
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.
5 Reasons Ukraine Should Get F-16 Jets
They will save many lives, bring victory closer, and spare other Western resources.
For Russians, Reading Is the New Resistance
What bestselling books tell us about how Russians are processing the war.
NATO’s Got a New Backbone
It’s time for the United States to prioritize members of the alliance that understand the Russian threat and are taking it seriously.
The Islamic State Has a New Target: Russia
The group’s Afghanistan branch is capitalizing on the Russia-Ukraine war to recruit, fundraise, and incite violence.
For Russians, It’s the Wild 1990s All Over Again
Overflowing graveyards and other parallels signal a threat to Vladimir Putin’s rule.
Ukraine’s Air War Heats Up
Ukraine has enjoyed air superiority for more than 400 days. Time may be running out.
Brazil Is Ukraine’s Best Bet for Peace
The nonaligned country has strong diplomatic traditions—and its president is a pro at building global coalitions.
On the Homefront, Families Mourn Ukrainian Fighters
Behind closed doors in western Ukraine, the devastating impact of the distant war becomes clear.
Ukraine Starts to Rebuild After Russia’s Rampage
But some damage can’t be fixed by bricks and mortar.
Ukraine’s Spring Offensive Is Waiting on Weapons
Every day Kyiv waits, the Russians dig deeper trenches.
War With Chechnya Brutalized Russian Society, and Ukraine Is Paying the Price
Videos of atrocities stem back to the bloody wars of the 1990s.