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
Trump and Zelensky Have an Oval Office Smackdown
Trump has been trying to strong-arm Ukraine for years, but it’s not getting any prettier.
Can Trump Force Ukraine to Accept a Peace Deal?
Experts warn that Kyiv won’t sign off on a deal that’s bad for the country.
Three Years On, What’s Next for Europe and Ukraine?
Nine thinkers on the bombshells coming out of Washington.
Why Trump Is Wrong About Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Setting the record straight on who started the war.
Finland’s President: Trump’s Strategy ‘Is a Bit of a Seesaw’
Alexander Stubb on how Europe is managing growing tensions with the United States.
Zelensky’s Big Pitch to Munich
The Ukrainian president called for Europe to build an army.
Vance Leaves Europe Gobsmacked
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a rebuke on immigration and alleged censorship to a shocked Munich Security Conference.
Pax Technica Is Over
The world’s pariah states are building their most lethal weapons using Western electronics.
Trump’s Most Difficult Deal Yet
The U.S. president wants to end the war in Ukraine. Does Russia?
Russia’s Energy Squeeze on Moldova
The Kremlin hopes Ukraine cutting off Russian gas transits will flip a pro-Western government.
Why Are Western Companies Still Financing Putin’s War?
If the moral argument isn’t enough to convince firms to leave Russia, the economics are terrible, too.
The U.S. Case for Ukraine’s Reconstruction
Economic recovery is central to any post-war settlement and comes with major payoffs.
Putin’s Victory Will Be a Hollow One
Though the Russian leader may triumph militarily in Ukraine, he has failed to achieve his strategic goals.
Why Is Biden Going After Russian Energy Now?
The outgoing U.S. president hit Russia’s energy sector with the “most significant” sanctions yet.
Russia Is Stepping Up Its Covert War Beyond Ukraine
New data suggests a troubling new phase in the Kremlin’s tactics that directly threatens the lives of Europeans.
Russian Assets Are Europe’s Trump Card
With the incoming administration seeking to cut U.S. aid to Ukraine, Europe should tap the Kremlin’s frozen reserves.