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
Ukraine Begins Pre-Offensive Probe of Russian Lines
“I would really hate to be a Russian private sitting in a trench right now,” said one former U.S. military commander.
Ukraine’s Next Big Diplomatic Offensive Is in the Global South
More ambassadors, more embassies, and, the hope is, more countering Russia.
China Won’t Let Russia Starve the World
The end of the Black Sea Grain Initiative would hurt Beijing, too.
Russia’s Convict-Soldiers Have Their Own Brutal Rules
The recruitment of prisoners via the Wagner Group has boosted manpower but cost morale.
5 Reasons Ukraine Should Get F-16 Jets
They will save many lives, bring victory closer, and spare other Western resources.
For Russians, Reading Is the New Resistance
What bestselling books tell us about how Russians are processing the war.
NATO’s Got a New Backbone
It’s time for the United States to prioritize members of the alliance that understand the Russian threat and are taking it seriously.
The Islamic State Has a New Target: Russia
The group’s Afghanistan branch is capitalizing on the Russia-Ukraine war to recruit, fundraise, and incite violence.
For Russians, It’s the Wild 1990s All Over Again
Overflowing graveyards and other parallels signal a threat to Vladimir Putin’s rule.
Ukraine’s Air War Heats Up
Ukraine has enjoyed air superiority for more than 400 days. Time may be running out.
Brazil Is Ukraine’s Best Bet for Peace
The nonaligned country has strong diplomatic traditions—and its president is a pro at building global coalitions.
On the Homefront, Families Mourn Ukrainian Fighters
Behind closed doors in western Ukraine, the devastating impact of the distant war becomes clear.
Ukraine Starts to Rebuild After Russia’s Rampage
But some damage can’t be fixed by bricks and mortar.
Ukraine’s Spring Offensive Is Waiting on Weapons
Every day Kyiv waits, the Russians dig deeper trenches.
War With Chechnya Brutalized Russian Society, and Ukraine Is Paying the Price
Videos of atrocities stem back to the bloody wars of the 1990s.
Ukraine’s Longest Day
The first 24 hours of the expected counteroffensive will likely be decisive.