Vladimir Putin
Our coverage of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, including his relationships with China and the West, and the war in Ukraine
Briefing
How will Donald Trump handle the war in Ukraine?
And how will Ukraine, Russia and Europe respond?
Europe
Ukraine’s warriors brace for a Kremlin surge in the south
Vladimir Putin’s war machine is pushing harder and crushing Ukrainian morale
Europe
Vladimir Putin fires a new missile to amplify his nuclear threats
The attack on Ukraine is part of a new era of missile warfare
Asia
The Caspian Sea is shrinking rapidly
This has big implications for Russia, which has come to rely on Central Asian ports
Europe in 2025
The uncertain outlook for European security
Go it alone on defence, stick with America or try to muddle through?
European security in 2025
If Europe wants peace, it must plan for war
But none of its major governments seems ready to face the future
Finance & economics
Vladimir Putin is in a painful economic bind
Russia’s reliance on China is becoming a problem
By Invitation
War in Ukraine may only intensify under Trump, says Dmytro Kuleba
The country’s former foreign minister explains the powderkeg that is three leaders in a cannot-lose standoff
Europe
Kremlin-occupied Ukraine is now a totalitarian hell
The Trump administration should remember Vladimir Putin’s dark vision
The Americas
BRICS isn’t exactly picky, but has just rejected Venezuela
The dictatorship’s attempt to join the club was rejected, and its neighbours are now openly critical
International
America’s allies brace for brinkmanship, deals—and betrayal
From Ukraine to Israel there is a frantic scramble to flatter and sway Donald Trump
Europe
Moldova’s pro-EU president has won re-election
With almost all the votes counted, it is a blow for Vladimir Putin and his dirty tricks
International
A surprise new twist in Putin’s currency wars
The BIS ditches a new payments platform the Kremlin wants to mimic
Europe
Ukraine is now struggling to cling on, not to win
Russia is slicing through Ukrainian defences in parts of the battlefield
Europe
Germany’s populist superstar demands peace with Russia
In an interview Sahra Wagenknecht trashes the consensus on Ukraine—and much more
Europe
North Korea is sending thousands of soldiers to help Vladimir Putin
It shows how far Russia has fallen as a strategic power