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’s Lightning Counteroffensive Approaches the Russian Border
Ukrainian officials say the dramatic changes on the battlefield are a sign they can win the war.
Putin Has a New Opposition—and It’s Furious at Defeat in Ukraine
Right-wing nationalists are spreading a dangerous “stab-in-the-back” myth to explain Russia’s crushing defeats.
A Ukrainian Victory Would Liberate Eastern Europe
An outright win for Kyiv now looks possible.
Putin Is Trying to Turn Ukraine Into a Culture War
A conservative message isn’t selling well on the Russian homefront.
‘They Are Pushing Everywhere’: Kyiv Goes on the Offensive
Ukraine may have achieved its biggest breakthrough of the war.
Putin’s War Drives Refugees From Occupied Kherson
Fighting in Ukraine’s south has caused an exodus.
How the Russian Oil Price Cap Will Work
Ignore the naysayers—the long-prepared plan is a smart way to slash the Kremlin’s profits.
In Russia, America’s Last Man Standing Stands Down
John Sullivan had a front-row seat to a historic low point in U.S.-Russia relations, and he did it with a skeleton crew of diplomats.
The Last String of Russian Greatness Is About to Snap
A great classical music tradition might die because of the Ukraine invasion.
The Education of Volodymyr Zelensky
A new biography traces the former comedian’s first two years as president of Ukraine.
Revisiting U.S. Grand Strategy After Ukraine
Six months into Russia’s war, seven thinkers outline its impact on foreign policy.
War-Torn Ukraine Is Also an HIV and Tuberculosis Hot Spot
But thanks to community-led health efforts, Ukrainians are winning the fight against these infectious diseases.
The Undignified Fall of Russia’s Once-Dignified Diplomatic Corps
Russian diplomats were once viewed with begrudging respect in the West. Now they’re seen as irrelevant mouthpieces for Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Story Can Find Listeners in Africa
Kyiv is struggling to find leverage against Russian narratives.
Why Russian Liberalism Has to Change
Imperialist sentiments are powerful even among the educated elite.
Ukraine’s War—in Photos
A haunting look at six months of Russia’s war in Ukraine in pictures.