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
Russia Wages Winter Information War Against the West
The Kremlin is headhunting useful idiots to undermine European unity before Kyiv can prevail.
The Dangers of ‘Catastrophic Consequences’
Sixty years after the Cuban missile crisis, Biden is re-creating nuclear deterrence on the fly.
Why Putin’s Nuclear Gambit Is a Huge Mistake
The only thing more terrifying than Russian nuclear use is letting fear drive Western strategy.
As War Hits the Homefront, Russia’s Defeat Inches Closer
Battlefield losses, military corruption, and a disastrous mobilization drive have broken the social contract.
Why the World Should Be Worried About Chechnya
The tiny territory and its bellicose leader reveal the fragility of Russia’s multiethnic federation.
Can Putin’s Center Hold?
The elites used to need the Russian president. Now he needs them.
Ukraine Is the World’s Foreign-Policy Rorschach Test
There are two basic ways to think about the war—and the world.
Why Putin Is Escalating Aerial Bombings in Ukraine
Former CIA analyst Andrea Kendall-Taylor on the hard-liners who have increasing sway over Moscow’s choices.
Why the War in Ukraine Won’t Spark a Nuclear Proliferation Cascade
Arguments to the contrary overlook the complexity of nuclear decision-making.
Kyiv Is Hoping the Republican Party’s Better Angels Prevail in the U.S. Midterms
A small but vocal minority of pro-Trump Republicans are openly questioning U.S. support for Ukraine.
Russia’s Minorities Don’t Want to Be Putin’s Foot Soldiers
A hasty mobilization is sparking fear and resistance.
The Thaw on Russia’s Periphery Has Already Started
All around a war-weakened Russia, there is a giant geopolitical sucking sound.
Helsinki Commission Recommends Kicking Russia Off U.N. Security Council
Not so fast, experts say.
Ukraine Deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Russia Needs It.
A Russian human rights group’s award is a down payment on a potentially hopeful future.
Biden’s Soft Underbelly on Ukraine
The Biden administration’s fear of provoking Putin and risking World War III has become an excuse to do less for Ukraine.
To Avert Armageddon, Push for a Cease-Fire in Ukraine
For Kyiv and its allies, negotiating an imperfect peace is preferable to risking a catastrophic nuclear confrontation.