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.
Ukraine Needs More Drones
Tight cooperation with Beijing and Tehran is giving Moscow an edge on the critical weapons.
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 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.
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
Inside Kursk, Ukrainians Hope for a Path to Victory
Kyiv wants to hold land to trade with Moscow in any future peace deal.
North Korean Shells Fuel Russia’s War—and Kim’s Ambitions
Pyongyang’s decrepit artillery rounds have kept Russia in the fight, and they might be the currency of even greater threats in Asia.
Don’t Let Germany Go Back to Its Old Russia Tricks
How Washington can make sure that Berlin’s Gazprom era is over.
After Centuries, Ukraine Cuts Religious Ties With Russia
But implementing the new ban on Russia-linked churches could get messy.
The Art of Punishing Putin
A new book offers a masterful glimpse into the world of economic warfare.
Biden’s ‘Escalation Management’ in Ukraine Makes the West Less Safe
Washington should abandon a failed approach to Moscow that does not learn or self-adjust.
NATO Frontline States Need an Air Defense Shield Now
Russia is probing NATO with attack drones and missiles. Ignoring them is a dangerous option.
Russia Is No Conservative Haven
The Western populist right has fallen for Vladimir Putin’s latest propaganda ploy.
Ukraine Needs a New Storyline
The Kursk offensive suggests a new strategy for victory—but it will require the West to change some policies.
Zelensky Reshuffles Cabinet as War Reaches Critical Juncture
The shake-up comes ahead of Zelensky’s key visit to the United States.
How the Hundred Years’ War Explains Ukraine’s Invasion of Russia
Three battles in medieval and early modern Europe offer instructive parallels to Ukraine’s Kursk offensive.
History Shows Giving Land to Russia Won’t Bring Peace
The long record of Russian and Soviet occupations does not bode well for negotiations.
Biden’s Ukraine Strategy Is Missing in Action
Lawmakers are frustrated at the lack of a coherent plan as Biden prepares to leave office.
Kyiv Keeps Russian Oil in the Crosshairs
The pinprick attacks boost morale, but they don’t much dent Moscow’s energy earnings.
In Russia, Ukraine’s Invasion Pops Putin’s Bubbles
After years of propaganda about the existential threat from Ukraine, Russians respond with a collective shrug.
What Does Zelensky Want in Kursk?
Ukraine’s strategic objectives remain murky—and the operation creates many risks—but it could alter the course of the war.