Russia’s War in Ukraine

Military news, global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.

All four men sit on matching chairs in front of the flags of their respective countries, side by side, with their feet resting on the border of an ornate rug. Starmer and Zelensky's eyes are locked; the other two watch intently from either side.
All four men sit on matching chairs in front of the flags of their respective countries, side by side, with their feet resting on the border of an ornate rug. Starmer and Zelensky's eyes are locked; the other two watch intently from either side.

A Ukraine Peace Deal Could Be Getting Closer

Here’s what Trump can do to get there.

Argument
David Ignatius
Maria Semyonova, wife of a Russian soldier, poses in front of a recruitment poster in Moscow on December 17, 2023.
Maria Semyonova, wife of a Russian soldier, poses in front of a recruitment poster in Moscow on December 17, 2023.

How to Fight Putin on the Information Battlefield

The West can’t fully adopt Russia’s methods—but it should study them. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Peter Pomerantsev, Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility on February 8, 2023 in Dorset, England.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility on February 8, 2023 in Dorset, England.

Ukraine Can Only Rely on Itself

In any peace deal with Russia, security guarantees from outsiders won't guarantee much. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Anchal Vohra
A blond woman in a black suit sits behind a sign with her last name on it. The EU flag is seen behind her.
A blond woman in a black suit sits behind a sign with her last name on it. The EU flag is seen behind her.

Ukraine’s New U.S. Ambassador Previews Her Pragmatic Approach to Washington

“I am Ukrainian, right? I’m not a Democrat or Republican.”

Interview
Sam Skove
Dmitriev, a man with white but balding hair in a suit and wearing glasses, stands next to a young soldier in an ornate dress uniform and helmet. The younger man is giving Dmitriev the side-eye.
Dmitriev, a man with white but balding hair in a suit and wearing glasses, stands next to a young soldier in an ornate dress uniform and helmet. The younger man is giving Dmitriev the side-eye.

Putin’s Unlikely Envoy to Washington

Kirill Dmitriev is a prominent purveyor of the Kremlin’s line—but real power may lie elsewhere. This article has an audio recording

Profile
Sam Skove, John Haltiwanger
Joe Biden, in silhouette, walks up stairs to board a plane, with ominous dark clouds in the background.
Joe Biden, in silhouette, walks up stairs to board a plane, with ominous dark clouds in the background.

Biden’s Long Shadow Over Ukraine

His administration failed Ukraine at almost every turn, shaping the war to this day. This article has an audio recording

Essay
Adrian Karatnycky

Battlefield Strategy

A fiery orange and black explosion behind a gray razor wire fence.
A fiery orange and black explosion behind a gray razor wire fence.

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.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Soldiers of the 115th Mechanized Brigade in a house where they are staying when not on the front lines near Lyman, Ukraine.
Soldiers of the 115th Mechanized Brigade in a house where they are staying when not on the front lines near Lyman, Ukraine.

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.

Dispatch
Fabrice Deprez
Drones fly above grass in an open field dotted with trees and small sheds.
Drones fly above grass in an open field dotted with trees and small sheds.

How Russia Is Escalating the Drone Arms Race

Routine strikes involve smaller, daily launches designed to keep steady pressure on Ukraine. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Yasir Atalan
The oil tanker Eagle S is seen anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland, on Jan. 7.
The oil tanker Eagle S is seen anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland, on Jan. 7.

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.

Argument
Petras Katinas

Wartime Diplomacy

From left, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
From left, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Trump Makes U-Turn on Ukraine Rhetoric

Trump says Ukraine can win back all of its territory.

Report
Sam Skove
A Finnish defender is seen near the front during the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in early 1940.
A Finnish defender is seen near the front during the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in early 1940.

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. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Kristi Raik
U.S. President Donald Trump announces U.S. strikes on Iran with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth standing alongside, at the White House in Washington on June 21.
U.S. President Donald Trump announces U.S. strikes on Iran with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth standing alongside, at the White House in Washington on June 21.

An Emerging Trump Doctrine?

Success in the Middle East could be a template for a new approach to Russia’s war.

Argument
Adrian Karatnycky
Workers construct an outdoor ice skating rink in Red Square in downtown Moscow on Nov. 9, 2021.
Workers construct an outdoor ice skating rink in Red Square in downtown Moscow on Nov. 9, 2021.

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. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Nicholas Fenton, Maria Snegovaya

Regional Dynamics

U.S. Marines take part in the international military exercise Cold Response 22 near Sandstrand in northern Norway on March 21, 2022.
U.S. Marines take part in the international military exercise Cold Response 22 near Sandstrand in northern Norway on March 21, 2022.

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. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Fabian Hoffmann
Ukrainian soldiers hold the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags over the coffin of Tomas Valentelis, a Lithuanian volunteer in the Ukrainian army who was killed in battle in Ukraine, at a funeral ceremony in Kyiv on April 16.
Ukrainian soldiers hold the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags over the coffin of Tomas Valentelis, a Lithuanian volunteer in the Ukrainian army who was killed in battle in Ukraine, at a funeral ceremony in Kyiv on April 16.

To Deter Russia, Europe Needs Ukraine

A Ukraine-Baltics defense pact would bring Kyiv into Europe’s security architecture.

Argument
Fredrik Wesslau
The oil tanker Eagle S next to Finnish border guard ship Uisko and tugboat Ukko in the Gulf of Finland on December 28, 2024.
The oil tanker Eagle S next to Finnish border guard ship Uisko and tugboat Ukko in the Gulf of Finland on December 28, 2024.

Anchors Away

Finland’s failure to convict Russian crew clears the way for more cable-cutting attacks.

Argument
Elisabeth Braw
A photo of two white tanks near a yellow crane. A blue-and-white tanker carrying liquified natural gas is docked nearby in snow and sea ice. White smoke billows out of its smokestack.
A photo of two white tanks near a yellow crane. A blue-and-white tanker carrying liquified natural gas is docked nearby in snow and sea ice. White smoke billows out of its smokestack.

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.

Analysis
Keith Johnson

Latest Stories

A stuffed toy sits in the remains of a playground in the heavily damaged Saltivka suburb of Kharkiv, Ukraine.
A stuffed toy sits in the remains of a playground in the heavily damaged Saltivka suburb of Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Ukrainians Returning to Liberated Towns Find Utter Destruction

For many coming home to Ukraine’s east, their prewar lives are a distant dream.

Dispatch
Sam Skove
A Ukrainian soldier fires at Russian positions.
A Ukrainian soldier fires at Russian positions.

Ukraine’s Appetite for Weapons Is Straining Western Stockpiles

“I think everyone now is sufficiently worried,” a NATO official said.

Report
Jack Detsch, Amy Mackinnon
Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin meet during the U.S.-Russia summit at Villa La Grange on June 16, 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin meet during the U.S.-Russia summit at Villa La Grange on June 16, 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Talking With Russia Is Tempting—and Wrong

Why it’s still too soon for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Argument
James Traub
An unexploded missile and a man running away from another Russian missile explosion
An unexploded missile and a man running away from another Russian missile explosion

NATO Chief Says Ukraine Air Defense Likely Cause of Poland Explosion

Russia still to blame for incident after bombarding Ukraine with missiles, Stoltenberg says.

Report
Robbie Gramer, Jack Detsch, Amy Mackinnon
A man carries his son on his shoulders as they walk past graffiti on a wall depicting a Ukrainian serviceman making a shot with a U.S.-made Javelin portable anti-tank missile system.
A man carries his son on his shoulders as they walk past graffiti on a wall depicting a Ukrainian serviceman making a shot with a U.S.-made Javelin portable anti-tank missile system.

Zelensky’s Travel Ban on Ukrainian Men Could Damage War Morale

New survey data shows a majority of Ukrainians do not support the travel ban in its current form.

Analysis
Charli Carpenter, Hunter Fairchild
People take shelter in Vokzalna metro station in Kyiv, Ukraine.
People take shelter in Vokzalna metro station in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Kyiv’s Metro Is a Symbol of the City’s Resilience

Soviet authorities built the transit system to withstand a potential NATO attack. Now, stations are shielding Ukrainians from Russian missiles.

Dispatch
Fabrice Deprez
Pedestrians cross a street during a power cut in downtown Kyiv amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Pedestrians cross a street during a power cut in downtown Kyiv amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Struggles to Help Ukraine Keep the Lights On

Ukraine needs heaters as much as HIMARS.

Deep Dive
Jack Detsch
Ukrainian artillery unit members get prepared to fire toward Kherson amid Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian artillery unit members get prepared to fire toward Kherson amid Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine Pushes Russia Out of Kherson, the Biggest Liberation Yet

Ukraine is continuing its offensive—even in subzero temperatures.

Report
Jack Detsch
A staff member of a shop in Moscow watches a broadcast of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech on Oct. 25, 2006.
A staff member of a shop in Moscow watches a broadcast of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech on Oct. 25, 2006.

Welcome to the New Age of Nukes

Russia’s posturing may encourage a dangerous wave of nuclear diplomacy.

Argument
Richard Fontaine
A destroyed tank near the recently recaptured Ukrainian village of Yampil, eastern Ukraine.
A destroyed tank near the recently recaptured Ukrainian village of Yampil, eastern Ukraine.

Dual-Use Goods Are Fueling Russia’s War on Ukraine

Russia’s advanced military systems are dependent on components from the West.

Argument
Austin Wright
U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger speaks to constituents outside of an early-voting location in Woodbridge, Virginia.
U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger speaks to constituents outside of an early-voting location in Woodbridge, Virginia.

How Ukraine Figures in Last-Minute Midterm Pitches

Ahead of tomorrow’s polls, foreign policy looms large in a Virginia district seen as a bellwether for national trends.

Report
Robbie Gramer
A person in Taipei, Taiwan, holds a sign protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A person in Taipei, Taiwan, holds a sign protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

6 Wrong Lessons for Taiwan From the War in Ukraine

A potential Asian war would look very different.

Analysis
Franz-Stefan Gady
A Norwegian Home Guard soldier stands guard, assisting the police with increased security at the Karsto gas processing plant.
A Norwegian Home Guard soldier stands guard, assisting the police with increased security at the Karsto gas processing plant.

Europe’s Seabed Is Its Soft Underbelly

Explosions along the Nord Stream pipelines have exposed the vulnerability of energy and communications networks in the continent’s northern seas.

Report
Amy Mackinnon, Christina Lu
Police detain protesters in Moscow.
Police detain protesters in Moscow.

Why Isn’t Russia a Democracy?

The country wasn’t preordained to despotism or a clash with the West.

Essay
Lucian Kim
A digital composite images shows troops landing at Anzac Cove in Turkey during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I.
A digital composite images shows troops landing at Anzac Cove in Turkey during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I.

Ukraine’s War Is Like World War I, Not World War II

The West is using the wrong analogy for Russia’s invasion—and worsening the outcome.

Analysis
Anatol Lieven
Ukrainian soldiers check their weapons at a position on the front line in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region on Oct. 24, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers check their weapons at a position on the front line in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region on Oct. 24, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine Says It Needs More Guns, Shells, and Firepower

“We are requesting new rounds all the time that have longer range and more explosiveness,” said one Ukrainian military official.

Exclusive
Jack Detsch
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