Russia’s War in Ukraine
News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.
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.
Russia’s Next Opposition Will Not Be Liberal
Army corruption and mass death are breeding new dissent—deep inside Vladimir Putin’s loyal core.
Why the White House Is Considering Tomahawks for Ukraine
The move makes sense for U.S. strategy, but it may cause heartburn for isolationist and Pacific-focused Pentagon leaders.
Putin vs. the Press
You’d have to be fearless or a fanatic to persist in journalism in Russia. These women are both.
From Moldova to Africa, Russia’s Power Is Waning
The defeat of Moscow-friendly parties in the Moldovan election is just the latest of many setbacks.
Europe Is on Its Own With Russia Now
Donald Trump’s latest U-turn on Ukraine doesn’t change the naked truth for Europe.
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.
How Russia Is Escalating the Drone Arms Race
Routine strikes involve smaller, daily launches designed to keep steady pressure on Ukraine. 
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.
Wartime Diplomacy
Trump Makes U-Turn on Ukraine Rhetoric
Trump says Ukraine can win back all of its territory.
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.
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.
Europe’s Delusions Over What It Means to Deter Russia
Leaders are afraid to tell voters what it will take to defend their continent.
Anchors Away
Finland’s failure to convict Russian crew clears the way for more cable-cutting attacks.
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.
Latest Stories
What Europe Can Do If Trump Drops Russia Sanctions
Europe has much more economic leverage on the Kremlin than Washington.
Trump’s Angry Meeting With Zelensky Prompts Reactions Worldwide
The responses were indicative of the shocking nature of the meeting.
The Perils of a Reality TV Presidency
The Trump-Zelensky shouting match is a reminder that international diplomacy was never meant to be carried out in front of billions of eyes.
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.