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
The U.S. Case for Ukraine’s Reconstruction
Economic recovery is central to any post-war settlement and comes with major payoffs.
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.
Why Is Biden Going After Russian Energy Now?
The outgoing U.S. president hit Russia’s energy sector with the “most significant” sanctions yet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can Trump Really End the War in Ukraine?
A Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize winner weighs in on his prospects.
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.
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.
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.
Ukraine’s Missing Medical Mobilization
Kyiv’s reluctance to fully mobilize means that frontline medical units are perpetually short on staff.
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.
The Price of a Bad Peace
The West is tired. Putin is not.
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.