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.
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

It’s Easy But Wrong to Be Cynical About Putin’s Indictment
The charges may be an important step in pushing global justice forward.

Is the West Falling for Putin’s Nuclear Rhetoric?
Philip Breedlove, a former supreme allied commander for NATO, says policymakers are falling for Putin’s nuclear rhetoric.

Even More Than Tanks and Planes, Ukraine Needs IFVs
Front-line officers are desperate for a less glamorous weapon: the infantry fighting vehicle.

Putin Wanted by ICC Over Alleged War Crimes
The court has issued arrest warrants for the Russian president and another senior official over the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children.

Crunch Time Looms for Black Sea Grain Export Deal
Russia wants more concessions to keep allowing vital food exports to leave Ukrainian ports.

Even Recorded Murders Won’t Turn Russia Against the War
A crushed society is incapable of facing the truth.

Seasoned Russia Envoy Joins Biden’s NSC
Nicholas Berliner, a veteran diplomat, has joined the White House to run Russia policy.

Russia’s War Has Unified Europe’s Opposing Sides
The invasion of Ukraine has finally reconciled Europe’s liberals and nationalists.

Putin Is Trapped in the Sunk-Cost Fallacy of War
Moscow is grasping for meaning in a meaningless invasion.

Europe’s New Frontier
We thought there were buffer states in Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has revealed they are frontier ones.

Arm Ukraine or Prepare for China? Wrong Question.
No matter the goal, Washington needs to quickly fill gaps in defense production.

Don’t Trust Russia’s Numbers
Moscow has made economic statistics a central part of its information war.

Ukraine’s Newest Weapons Shipment Is From 300 B.C.
An embassy event celebrates the seizure of ancient swords from a would-be Russian smuggler.

America Is Still Losing the Information War
Washington urgently needs a 21st-century communication strategy.

Staring Down the Black Hole of Russia’s Future
A Ukrainian victory may be the country’s only chance at long-term salvation.

Incrementalism Is Throttling U.S. Support for Ukraine
Ad hoc, one-off decisions and lagging implementation are undermining the strategic effects of U.S. military assistance.