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
Ukraine’s Longest Day
The first 24 hours of the expected counteroffensive will likely be decisive.
Colin Kahl: ‘We’re All In’ on Supporting Ukraine
The Pentagon’s top policymaker on Kyiv’s forthcoming spring offensive, the impact of recent leaks, and the long-term challenge of China.
The Kids Aren’t Alright
Kyiv says more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia. This is the story of a few who made it home.
Putin’s Homophobia Is Advancing LGBTQ Rights in Ukraine
Many have begun to associate anti-gay bigotry with imperial aggression.
China Is Studying Russia’s Economic Playbook for Conflict
Moscow’s efforts to deflect Western intervention may be applied to Taiwan.
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.