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
‘We’re Working 24/7’: Ukraine Keeps Its War Machine Humming
Russian strikes have taken a toll on Ukraine’s defense industry, but offshoring and the cottage industry are keeping the shells coming.
Forest of the Dead
Another mass grave in Ukraine reveals the horrors of Russia’s occupation.
Ukraine’s 1777 Moment
Victory in Kharkiv may be as significant for Ukraine’s independence as the Battle of Saratoga was for America’s.
Kazakhstan Is Breaking Out of Russia’s Grip
The Ukraine war has given Astana a unique chance to frustrate Moscow.
How Ukraine Has Changed Russian Diplomacy
Moscow is shunning legacy platforms for dialogue—and creating its own.
NATO’s Stoltenberg: Ukraine’s Gains Are ‘Extremely Encouraging’
The trans-Atlantic alliance chief discusses Russia’s war in Ukraine and competing with China.
Ukraine Put Putin in the Corner. Here’s What May Happen Next.
Mobilization could be in the cards, escalation is in the air, and Russian nationalists are braying for blood.
Russia Is Seeding Ukraine’s Soil With Land Mines
Removing mines will be a long and costly operation.
Why the EU Should Ban Russian Tourists
A visa ban won’t have the same impact as military aid to Kyiv, but it would send a strong message to ordinary Russians.
Every Recent Oil and Food Price Shock Bears Putin’s Fingerprints
Russia is a pivotal actor in global markets—and its president is willing to destabilize them for political gain.
The Tide Has Already Turned in Ukraine’s Favor
Military analyst Jack Watling unpacks Kyiv’s lightning offensive against Russian forces.
Russia Is Supplying Ukraine With Lightly Used Tanks
Ukraine plans to use Russia’s own armor against it.
Moscow’s Gas Freeze Shows EU-Russian Trade Is Doomed
Russia is limiting supply in the hope of a short-term price rise.
Russian Propaganda Finds a Home in Italian Media
Since the Ukraine invasion, Italy has become a haven for pro-Kremlin disinformation and propaganda.
Predictions of Putin’s Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated
The Russian autocrat’s end has been predicted, wrongly, for two decades.
Ukraine’s Lightning Counteroffensive Approaches the Russian Border
Ukrainian officials say the dramatic changes on the battlefield are a sign they can win the war.