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
Ukraine Battles On in the Dark
Russia’s terror campaign against Ukraine’s power plants is cutting off the lights—and energizing resistance.
Russian Exiles Struggle to Form a United Opposition to Putin
Historically, Russian emigrants have been reluctant to form exile communities and have tried to assimilate.
Russia’s Great Reverse Migration
Central Asians used to flee the Soviet empire’s periphery for Moscow. Russia’s mobilization has sent escaping Muscovites in the other direction.
It’s Time to Debunk Putin’s Existential Fallacy
One key to securing peace in Ukraine will be exposing the faulty argument for the war’s necessity.
Russia Is Running Low on Ammo
The United States is wondering if Russia has enough artillery to keep up its war in Ukraine.
There’s No Peace in Ukraine Without Russian Retreat
Calls for diplomacy are misplaced and naive.
Why Ukraine Is Stuck With Elon (for Now)
His Starlink satellite internet service has largely kept Ukraine online—but highlights the risks of overreliance on the private sector in wartime.
What’s the Harm in Talking to Russia? A Lot, Actually.
Diplomacy is neither intrinsically moral nor always strategically wise.
Congress to Ukraine: We’ve Still Got Your Back
Lawmakers flock to security conference to allay doubts over long-term Ukraine commitment.
Ukrainians Are Holding Strong as Some in West Falter
Ukrainian identity has been fundamentally changed by invasion.
Estonia’s Former Spy Chief: Too Soon to Count Russia Out
Mikk Marran talks about Moscow’s intelligence failures, cyberwar, and whether Western resolve will last the winter.
Kherson Is Liberated but Not Yet Freed
Although Ukraine has reclaimed the one provincial capital taken by Russia, there’s still a long road to recovery.
All the Kremlin’s Trolls
How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put Moscow’s worldwide influence operations to the test.
Ukrainians Returning to Liberated Towns Find Utter Destruction
For many coming home to Ukraine’s east, their prewar lives are a distant dream.
Ukraine’s Appetite for Weapons Is Straining Western Stockpiles
“I think everyone now is sufficiently worried,” a NATO official said.
Talking With Russia Is Tempting—and Wrong
Why it’s still too soon for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.