Russia’s War in Ukraine

Military news, global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Latest Stories

Ukrainian servicemen load a truck.
Ukrainian servicemen load a truck.

Why Progressives Should Help Defend Ukraine

Acknowledging the United States’ failings doesn’t mean ignoring Russian imperialism.

A Ukrainian serviceman stands in front of tanks
A Ukrainian serviceman stands in front of tanks

Is There a Diplomatic Offramp in Ukraine?

As Russia masses troops along the border—and in Belarus—the prospects for peaceful resolution are fading, but there are options.

Ukrainian soldiers use tanks, self-propelled guns, and other armored vehicles to conduct live-fire exercises in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers use tanks, self-propelled guns, and other armored vehicles to conduct live-fire exercises in eastern Ukraine.

Why Mediation Around Ukraine Keeps Failing

It’s not just about Moscow and Kyiv but the entire Russia-West relationship.

A statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is in Trans-Dniester.
A statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is in Trans-Dniester.

Ukraine’s (Potential) Western Front

Kyiv faces Russian troops to the north and east. Now, it’s got to worry about Trans-Dniester too.

Ukrainian border guards patrol the Sea of Azov
Ukrainian border guards patrol the Sea of Azov

Russian Black Sea Exercises Raise Specter of Naval Blockade

Blocking Ukraine’s ports for an extended period could “suffocate” the country’s economy, experts say.

Viktor, a soldier on the front lines in the Donbass
Viktor, a soldier on the front lines in the Donbass

‘They Are No Longer Our Brothers’

On the front lines of Ukraine’s frozen conflict, soldiers fight cold and boredom—but worry little about a Russian invasion.

A military handout photo shows a Leopard 2a6 main battle tank firing during exercises as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania.
A military handout photo shows a Leopard 2a6 main battle tank firing during exercises as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania.

To Deter Russia, Europe Needs More Military Integration

German and Dutch troops have deployed a binational battle-ready unit to Lithuania. More EU countries should follow their example.

A Spanish-language broadcast airs in Moscow.
A Spanish-language broadcast airs in Moscow.

Russia Has Taken Over Spanish-Language Airwaves on Ukraine

Kremlin-owned outlets are winning the information war with Spanish speakers.

Blinken arrives in Australia
Blinken arrives in Australia

U.S. Indo-Pacific Power Depends on Restraint in Ukraine

Washington must reassure Quad partners that it won’t be distracted in Europe.

U.S. President Joe Biden talks on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
U.S. President Joe Biden talks on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kyiv’s Mixed Messaging Is Rooted in Domestic Worries

Ukrainians fear Washington will pressure them into accepting unwanted deals.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko salutes troops during joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises in 2017.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko salutes troops during joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises in 2017.

Western Officials Warn Russia’s Troops in Belarus Could Be Permanent

Russian forces are in Belarus for military exercises. Will they ever leave?

Putin and Xi at their summit in Beijing
Putin and Xi at their summit in Beijing

Don’t Buy the Xi-Putin Hype

Beijing went out of its way to downplay the summit's significance, revealing a potential wedge for the West.

French President Emmanuel Macron meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin
French President Emmanuel Macron meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Macron and Putin Meet in Bid to Defuse Russia-Ukraine Crisis

The French president wants to assert European leadership. But he’s still got an election to win.

Modi and Putin in Russia
Modi and Putin in Russia

India Has Its Own Ideas About Russia and Ukraine

New Delhi likes the idea of a sphere of influence—but has good reasons to worry about a European conflict.

A man lights a candle in an Orthodox Christian 
church in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 24.
A man lights a candle in an Orthodox Christian church in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 24.

Russia and Ukraine Are Trapped in Medieval Myths

A shared past underpins—and worsens—the conflict.

Putin and the chess metaphor
Putin and the chess metaphor
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