Vladimir Putin

Czar Gazing

On Russia’s long history of authoritarian imperialism.

Vladimir Putin’s Crisis Averted—For Now

The Wagner Group’s move on Moscow may be over, but a Russian collapse could be on the horizon.

Coup to Form

An inept putsch attempt mirrors the ineptitude of Russia’s war.

Russia’s Other Propaganda War

It’s not all about elections. Putin also tries to destabilize Western democracies by stoking culture wars.

A City—and a Warlord—Under Siege

How the fight for Bakhmut became the venue for a Russian power struggle.

A Rat, Cornered

Russia’s war machine might be breaking down.

Whodunnit?

A mysterious drone attack on the Kremlin.

The Villainy Is the Point

Putin’s war crimes are the continuation of a sinister tradition that dates back to the czars.

Putin’s Descent Into Stalinism

The Russian regime is detaining children who express opposition to his invasion of Ukraine.

Grasping at Nuclear Straws

Vladimir Putin is trying to manipulate the West by deploying weapons to Belarus.

Our Best Stuff on Donald Trump, Joe Exotic, and the Xi-Putin Summit

Plus: Deepfakes are here and it’s going to get crazy.

After the Battle for Bakhmut

On the ground as Russian forces close in on a nearby town—and some weary locals refuse to leave.

Does Putin Have a ‘Shadow Army’?

Wagner Group mercenaries have suffered setbacks in Ukraine but still maintain a global footprint: A Dispatch Explainer.

Breaking the Deadlock in Ukraine

As Moscow and Kyiv consider large-scale offensives, the West weighs sending new types of weaponry.

The Alternative to Winning in Ukraine Is Endless War

Advocates for a hasty peace are wrong to think Russia will keep its promises or stop with Ukraine.

Authoritarianism’s Bad Year

Putin bungled his war with Ukraine, and China and Iran contended with massive protests.