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

Ukrainian volunteers rebuild the roof of a house that was damaged at the start of Russia's full scale invasion, in the village of Novoselivka, Ukraine, on Oct. 30, 2022.
Ukrainian volunteers rebuild the roof of a house that was damaged at the start of Russia's full scale invasion, in the village of Novoselivka, Ukraine, on Oct. 30, 2022.

The U.S. Case for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

Economic recovery is central to any post-war settlement and comes with major payoffs.

Argument
Richard R. Verma
Two people are silhouetted against a dusky sky as they walk hand-in-hand in front of the edge of a building faced with columns. In the foreground, a large red star hangs from one of the columns with a blue letter Z affixed to its front.
Two people are silhouetted against a dusky sky as they walk hand-in-hand in front of the edge of a building faced with columns. In the foreground, a large red star hangs from one of the columns with a blue letter Z affixed to its front.

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.

Argument
Rajan Menon
U.S. President Joe Biden listens during a briefing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Jan. 10.
U.S. President Joe Biden listens during a briefing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Jan. 10.

Why Is Biden Going After Russian Energy Now?

The outgoing U.S. president hit Russia’s energy sector with the “most significant” sanctions yet.

Analysis
Keith Johnson, Amy Mackinnon
A masked Russian soldier takes part in a counterterrorism exercise at an Interior Ministry base near Moscow on Sept. 4, 2007.
A masked Russian soldier takes part in a counterterrorism exercise at an Interior Ministry base near Moscow on Sept. 4, 2007.

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.

Analysis
Bart Schuurman
European Central Bank in Frankfurt
European Central Bank in Frankfurt

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.

Argument
Adrian Karatnycky
A Ukrainian tank crew member of the 68th Jaeger Brigade stands on a Leopard 1A5 tank near Pokrovsk, the eastern Donetsk region, on Dec. 13.
A Ukrainian tank crew member of the 68th Jaeger Brigade stands on a Leopard 1A5 tank near Pokrovsk, the eastern Donetsk region, on Dec. 13.

How We Got Here in the Russia-Ukraine War

Our must-read articles on the state of the conflict, its impact on the global order, and the chance for peace.

5 Top Reads
Stefan Theil
French soldiers participate in a NATO military exercise at the Hohenfels training area in southern Germany, on Sept. 14, 2023.
French soldiers participate in a NATO military exercise at the Hohenfels training area in southern Germany, on Sept. 14, 2023.

Will European Troops Enforce a Cease-Fire in Ukraine?

France is drumming up support for a peacekeeping force. It may be Europe’s only option to prevent an even bloodier war.

Analysis
Franz-Stefan Gady
Kaja Kallas stands and talks into several press microphones.
Kaja Kallas stands and talks into several press microphones.

Ukraine Backers Make Last-Ditch Effort to Seize Russian Assets

With Trump heading to the White House again, it’s now or never to finance Kyiv, advocates say.

Analysis
Keith Johnson
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Élysée Palace in Paris on Dec. 7, 2024.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Élysée Palace in Paris on Dec. 7, 2024.

Can Trump Really End the War in Ukraine?

A Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize winner weighs in on his prospects.

Insider
John Haltiwanger
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (center) speaks during a meeting with Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union, in Kyiv on Dec. 9.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (center) speaks during a meeting with Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union, in Kyiv on Dec. 9.

What a Victorious Ukraine Can Offer Europe

With trans-Atlantic cooperation under scrutiny, a battle-tested land power will be ready to step into the breach.

Argument
Michael Hikari Cecire
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump meet during the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump meet during the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019.

Trump Should Make Putin Wince Before They Sit Down to Talk

A maximum pressure campaign would raise the likelihood of a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Argument
Mark Montgomery, John Hardie
Kim and Putin meet in North Korea
Kim and Putin meet in North Korea

China and North Korea Throw U.S. War Plans Out the Window

The intervention of Asian powers in Europe nullifies decades of U.S. strategic planning.

Analysis
Raphael S. Cohen
Olena Gerasymyuk, a Ukrainian poet and volunteer paramedic with the Hospitallers medical battalion, works in a medical evacuation bus in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, on Feb. 11, 2023.
Olena Gerasymyuk, a Ukrainian poet and volunteer paramedic with the Hospitallers medical battalion, works in a medical evacuation bus in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, on Feb. 11, 2023.

Ukraine’s Missing Medical Mobilization

Kyiv’s reluctance to fully mobilize means that frontline medical units are perpetually short on staff.

Analysis
Gil Barndollar, David Plaster
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump walk together at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump walk together at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019.

The Pitfalls for Europe of a Trump-Putin Deal on Ukraine

Russian interest in peace is no given, and Europe may not be on board.

Argument
Fredrik Wesslau
A tattered blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag is seen along a snow-covered road beneath a pale cloudy sky. Bare trees line the road.
A tattered blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag is seen along a snow-covered road beneath a pale cloudy sky. Bare trees line the road.

The Price of a Bad Peace

The West is tired. Putin is not.

Argument
Anastasia Edel
Russian conscripts in uniform holding their winter hat in their hands stand in attention in a line.
Russian conscripts in uniform holding their winter hat in their hands stand in attention in a line.

Putin Is Throwing Human Waves at Ukraine but Can’t Do It Forever

The Russian meat grinder strategy is terribly effective, terribly wasteful, and boundlessly cruel.

Analysis
Alexey Kovalev
Load More Stories
Loading graphics