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
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.
The World Isn’t Slipping Away From the West
The United States and Europe get a few things wrong about global attitudes toward Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Is the Ukraine War an Anti-Colonial Struggle?
Fellow victims of Russian imperialism are finding solidarity with Kyiv.
China’s Ukraine Peace Plan Is Actually About Taiwan
Beijing’s phony proposal lays bare its conditions for winning an East Asian war.
Iran Doubles Down on Arms for Russia
Despite fresh salvos of Western sanctions, Tehran and Moscow are buddying up on defense ties.
Putin Has Assembled an Axis of Autocrats Against Ukraine
Russia’s war is receiving critical assistance from authoritarian regimes around the world.
A Private Company Is Using Social Media to Track Down Russian Soldiers
Open-source investigations were once potent journalistic tools, but in Ukraine, they’re being used on the battlefield.
The U.N. Has Turned Turtle on the Ukraine War
A paralyzed Security Council and a toothless General Assembly can’t come to grips with Russia’s challenge to the international order.
Russia’s Theft of Children in Ukraine Is Genocide
Moscow is out to destroy a people.
How Ukraine Learned to Fight
Russia’s full-scale war started a year ago. Ukraine’s military started slashing its Soviet roots long before.
Putin’s Russian Critics Are Growing Ever Louder
The most pointed criticisms of the war are coming from those charged with fighting it.
War Hasn’t Deterred Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Fighters
Activists argue the struggles for state transparency and national liberation are one and the same.