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
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Iran and Russia Are Closer Than Ever Before
They’ve found common ground on the battlefield in Ukraine, but not everyone in Tehran is happy about it.
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
Ukraine Needs Long-Range Firepower for Victory
Kyiv’s allies should give it the ability to shift strategic gears.
Russia Is Afraid of Western Psychic Attacks
Pseudoscience and mysticism are common among the Moscow elite.
Peace May Be a Long Way Off in Ukraine in 2023
Both sides believe they can win on the battlefield.
The Arsenal of Democracy Is Back in Business
Proposed U.S. arms sales to NATO almost doubled this past year as Russia’s aggression spooked the continent.
Why Germany Has Learned the Wrong Lessons From History
On Russia and Ukraine, Germans remain wedded to historical and geopolitical delusions.
Will 2023 Be More Peaceful Than 2022?
This year saw Russia invade Ukraine, China’s Xi Jinping secure a third term, and Iranians take to the streets. What will 2023 look like?
Putin’s Pit Bull Is Making a Power Play
As hard-liners shuffle for power amid a failing war, Russia’s military could turn even more aggressive.
Belarus Is Inching Toward Invading Ukraine
Signs are growing that an invasion from the north could be imminent.
Tooze on the ‘Dramatic Reconceptualization’ of Europe
How the war in Ukraine will remake the continent.
Whatever Happened to Russia’s Vaunted Cyberoffensive?
The war in Ukraine is more about artillery shells than cyberexploits—for now.
Why the Oil Price Cap Won’t Hurt Putin
The West wants to have its Russian oil price cake and eat it too.
The Trouble With Russian Blacklisting
Moscow’s ban on Western academics and researchers makes the world a more dangerous place.
The Russian Army Is Preparing for a Fresh Attack
Many of the problems from the initial draft have been solved.