Russia’s War in Ukraine
News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.
Russia and Ukraine Are as Far Apart as Ever
Despite Trump’s efforts, negotiation will only come when both parties believe their interests are better served by talking than fighting. 
7 Lingering Questions After the Trump Ukraine Summit
After a flurry of diplomacy, what was actually agreed to?
Grading Trump’s Ukraine Diplomacy
Key takeaways from a spate of high-level meetings in Alaska and Washington.
How Europe Can Pressure Putin—Without Trump
Now that Trump appears to have sworn off additional economic sanctions to push Russia into a cease-fire, Europe may have to go it alone.
Why the Donbas Matters to Putin So Much
The region is at the heart of the Ukraine war.
Key Takeaways From Trump’s Meeting With Zelensky
Less fireworks in the White House, but no definitive outcomes just yet.
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.
Ukraine’s Pocket-Sized Answer to Russian Drones
Moscow has the upper hand in electronic warfare. Can grassroots-led efforts help Kyiv catch up?
The Ukrainians’ New Way of War
The audacious drone attack deep into Russia’s rear fits a larger pattern of wartime innovation.
Wartime Diplomacy
Do Trump’s Lines in the Sand Mean Anything?
Blustering threats to Putin over Ukraine are reminiscent of Obama’s Syria failure.
It’s Time for a New Trans-Atlantic Bargain
Europe should take primary responsibility for its security, but the United States needs to deliver key assurances to allow such a transition.
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.
A European Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine Won’t Work
Any plan needs NATO involvement to be credible.
What Europe Can Do If Trump Drops Russia Sanctions
Europe has much more economic leverage on the Kremlin than Washington.
Ukraine Has Become Europe’s Arsenal
The Ukrainian arms industry has kept its own country—and potentially the entire continent—competitive on the battlefield.
Latest Stories
How Ukraine’s Drone Industry Took Flight
A state campaign rolled back red tape and regulation inherited from its Soviet past.
Ukraine Lays Its Tracks to Europe
By expanding its railways, Kyiv hopes to tie its fate to the rest of the continent.
A New Era of Financial Warfare Has Begun
The West’s latest actions against Russia carry risks for the global system and could provoke China.
Biden and the G-7 Seek to Reassure Ukraine
A new security agreement and $50 billion funding deal signal that the West remains united in Kyiv’s defense—but how long will it last?
Russia Ramps Up Sabotage Operations in Europe
Western officials struggle to respond to a new wave of “hybrid warfare.”
Putin Cuts Ukraine’s Power
With constant assaults on the electricity grid, Moscow is adding an explosive twist to an old playbook.
G-7 Leaders Meet to Ramp Up New Pressure on Russia
Leaders look to lock in commitments ahead of tumultuous election cycles.
NATO Looks to Create New Special Envoy Post in Ukraine
The plan comes as Western leaders debate Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO.
Are Putin’s Nuclear Threats Working?
A new book examines the past and present of Russian thinking on deterrence.
Now Is Not the Time to Negotiate With Putin
If Ukraine enters peace talks, it must do so from a position of strength.
Putin’s Baltic Provocations Are Raising Western Hackles
From redrawn maritime borders to suspected sabotage, Moscow is trying to exert power in a long-coveted region.
Putin Is Obsessed With Russian Liberals
Attacks on the movement show how insecure Russia’s dictator feels.
The Advocate
Ukraine and the Europeans are vexed about how to deal with Trump. Gordon Sondland has a playbook.
The U.S. Still Has a Lend-Leash Act for Ukraine
Washington is finding ways to get Kyiv more money—but keeps it hamstrung from actually fighting the war.
Biden’s Catch-22 in Ukraine
Washington’s backing for Kyiv and avoidance of risk are increasingly at odds.
Russia Advances on Kharkiv as Ukraine Struggles to Fight Back
Moscow is exploiting Biden’s restrictive rules on U.S. weapons use to make gains, Ukrainian officials say.