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.
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.
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 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.
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
It’s Official: America Can’t Be Trusted
Flip-flops, uncertainty, and the Pentagon’s freelancing on weapons aid leave Ukraine and European allies in the lurch.
Ukraine’s Arms Industry Is the Wild West
Battle experience may give Ukrainian manufacturers the edge.
Why Russia Is Sitting Out This Round of the Israel-Iran Conflict
As Putin’s dependence on Iran decreases, he seeks to maintain ties with Tehran’s regional rivals.
Can NATO Keep It Together?
Nine thinkers on this year’s summit and the alliance’s uncertain future.
The Metternich of the Bronx
Witkoff’s diplomacy has spectacularly failed, but he is likely to continue to play a major role.
‘The Battle for Kyiv’ Captures a Desperate Time
Oz Katerji’s film brings back the wild first weeks of war.
Another Bad Night in Kyiv
A sleepless public is enduring a wave of Putin’s attacks on civilians.
The Ukrainians’ New Way of War
The audacious drone attack deep into Russia’s rear fits a larger pattern of wartime innovation.
What Is the Impact of Ukraine’s Raid on Russia’s Air Force?
Operation Spider’s Web will enter military history as one of the more daring raids.
Putin Is a Gambler, not a Grand Master
The Russian president has abandoned real strategy for a single goal.
How Russia Responds to Ukraine’s Drone Attack Depends on Trump
Trump needs to “defuse this situation,” said a former director of Russia analysis at the CIA.
Why Does Russia Propose Cease-Fires It Won’t Uphold?
Kremlin rhetoric aims to shape narratives at home and abroad.
A European Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine Won’t Work
Any plan needs NATO involvement to be credible.
Trump’s Russia Strategy Is All Carrots, No Stick
“The Russians are obviously not responding to the current approach,” one expert said.
The U.S. Must Not Gift Crimea to Putin
Washington’s latest peace proposal would reward Russia for starting its war in Ukraine.
Why Elections in Ukraine Will Not End the War
Washington’s curious adoption of a key Kremlin demand is based on unrealistic expectations.