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
‘All It Takes is One’: Iran Gives Russia Help From the Air
Russia’s new Iranian-made drones put Ukraine “a bit more on the defensive,” one expert said.
Why NATO Needs to Plan for Nuclear War
As the alliance meets this week, leaders must discuss how they will react if Russia uses weapons of mass destruction.
NATO Doubles Naval Presence in Baltic, North Seas After Pipeline Sabotage
Russia’s suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines has brought a flood of Western naval assets into the region.
Ukraine Changes Weapons Wish List After Kyiv Terrorism Attacks
Send more air defenses, Ukrainian officials implored, and send them now.
Ukraine Wants to Be NATO’s Friend—With Benefits
Spearheaded by a former NATO chief, the Kyiv Security Compact would put Western security guarantees in writing—but it might be too much for Washington to stomach.
LGBTQ Russians Were Putin’s First Target in His War on the West
In Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mind, the war in Ukraine and his decadelong assault on LGBTQ rights are two sides of the same coin.
Putin’s Most Loyal Balkan Client
Hard-line Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has given the Russian president a firm foothold in the Balkans.
How the White House Plans to Hurt Putin
U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo on the preparations that go into sanctioning Russia.
Why Putin’s Denunciations of Western Imperialism Ring Hollow
Russia is among the world’s most ambitious imperial nations.
The Battle to Save Ukraine’s Economy From the War
A top European bank chief weighs in on how to bankroll Ukraine for the war, and reconstruction, ahead.
Putin’s Mobilization Mess Was Years in the Making
Russia can’t recruit, train, equip, or supply new troops. So what’s the plan?
Russia’s Army Keeps Collapsing After Falling Back in Kherson
Ukraine has made huge inroads in the south and east.
Mobilization Can’t Save Russia’s War
Russian troops are being trained to be cannon fodder.
Central Asia Faces a Russian Migrant Crisis
As men flee Putin’s draft, Russia’s neighbors struggle to cope.
‘Putin’s Chef’ Steps Out of the Shadows
Yevgeny Prigozhin wants to ride the Wagner Group to greater glory.
Putin’s World Is Now Smaller Than Ever
The moral and strategic disaster of the Russian leader’s war in Ukraine has ended his imperial dreams.