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

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on July 14.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on July 14.

There’s Less to Trump’s Ukraine Shift Than Meets the Eye

Europe will buy unspecified weapons for Ukraine, and Russia gets a long reprieve from sanctions.

Argument
Christian Caryl
Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv on July 4.
Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv on July 4.

It’s Official: America Can’t Be Trusted

Flip-flops, uncertainty, and the Pentagon’s freelancing on weapons aid leave Ukraine and European allies in the lurch.

Analysis
Christian Caryl
Small-caliber ammunition is seen during the opening of Mesko SA’s new ammunition production hall in Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland.
Small-caliber ammunition is seen during the opening of Mesko SA’s new ammunition production hall in Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland.

Ukraine’s Arms Industry Is the Wild West

Battle experience may give Ukrainian manufacturers the edge.

Analysis
Luke McGee
Putin and Khamenei sit beside each other in upholstered armchairs, a coffee table between them. Putin gestures with both hands as he speaks, while Khamenei smiles slightly at him.
Putin and Khamenei sit beside each other in upholstered armchairs, a coffee table between them. Putin gestures with both hands as he speaks, while Khamenei smiles slightly at him.

Why Russia Is Sitting Out This Round of the Israel-Iran Conflict

As Putin’s dependence on Iran decreases, he seeks to maintain ties with Tehran’s regional rivals.

Analysis
Dimitar Bechev
An illustration shows the NATO logo sinking slightly on a blue horizon.
An illustration shows the NATO logo sinking slightly on a blue horizon.

Can NATO Keep It Together?

Nine thinkers on this year’s summit and the alliance’s uncertain future.

Analysis
Kori Schake, Angela Stent, Franz-Stefan Gady, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Liana Fix, Fabian Hoffmann, Minna Alander, Gabrielius Landsbergis, C. Raja Mohan
Steve Witkoff attends the Republican National Convention in 2024.
Steve Witkoff attends the Republican National Convention in 2024.

The Metternich of the Bronx

Witkoff’s diplomacy has spectacularly failed, but he is likely to continue to play a major role.

Profile
Adrian Karatnycky
A film still from "The Battle for Kyiv."
A film still from "The Battle for Kyiv."

‘The Battle for Kyiv’ Captures a Desperate Time

Oz Katerji’s film brings back the wild first weeks of war.

Review
Luke McGee
A building is surrounded by rubble.
A building is surrounded by rubble.

Another Bad Night in Kyiv

A sleepless public is enduring a wave of Putin’s attacks on civilians.

Report
Ani Chkhikvadze
The first batch of the Ukrainian-made Peklo drone missile is delivered to a Ukrainian Armed Forces facility in Kyiv on Dec. 6, 2024.
The first batch of the Ukrainian-made Peklo drone missile is delivered to a Ukrainian Armed Forces facility in Kyiv on Dec. 6, 2024.

The Ukrainians’ New Way of War

The audacious drone attack deep into Russia’s rear fits a larger pattern of wartime innovation.

Analysis
Christian Caryl
An image from a video released by a source in the Ukrainian Security Service shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian aircraft deep in Russian territory on June 1.
An image from a video released by a source in the Ukrainian Security Service shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian aircraft deep in Russian territory on June 1.

What Is the Impact of Ukraine’s Raid on Russia’s Air Force?

Operation Spider’s Web will enter military history as one of the more daring raids.

Analysis
Franz-Stefan Gady
An illustration depicts Vladimir Putin holding up a hand of playing cards
An illustration depicts Vladimir Putin holding up a hand of playing cards

Putin Is a Gambler, not a Grand Master

The Russian president has abandoned real strategy for a single goal. This article has an audio recording

Essay
Anastasia Edel
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with the Russian children’s rights commissioner at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 2.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with the Russian children’s rights commissioner at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 2.

How Russia Responds to Ukraine’s Drone Attack Depends on Trump

Trump needs to “defuse this situation,” said a former director of Russia analysis at the CIA.

Q&A
John Haltiwanger
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech during the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on May 9.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech during the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on May 9.

Why Does Russia Propose Cease-Fires It Won’t Uphold?

Kremlin rhetoric aims to shape narratives at home and abroad.

Analysis
Tetiana Kotelnykova
People walk along a street past a mural dedicated to Oleksandr Khmil, a former hockey player and coach killed in battle against Russian troops, in Kyiv on May 15.
People walk along a street past a mural dedicated to Oleksandr Khmil, a former hockey player and coach killed in battle against Russian troops, in Kyiv on May 15.

A European Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine Won’t Work

Any plan needs NATO involvement to be credible. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Azeem Ibrahim
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Steve Witkoff, an envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting in St. Petersburg on April 11.
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Steve Witkoff, an envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting in St. Petersburg on April 11.

Trump’s Russia Strategy Is All Carrots, No Stick

“The Russians are obviously not responding to the current approach,” one expert said.

Analysis
John Haltiwanger
Russian leader Vladimir Putin is seen on a screen in Red Square as he addresses a rally and a concert in central Moscow on Sept. 30, 2022.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin is seen on a screen in Red Square as he addresses a rally and a concert in central Moscow on Sept. 30, 2022.

The U.S. Must Not Gift Crimea to Putin

Washington’s latest peace proposal would reward Russia for starting its war in Ukraine.

Argument
David J. Kramer
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