Archive - Navigating the Vortex

Every time Putin calls, Trump caves in and the Ukraine war grinds on

The Russian president is still convinced that Moscow can defeat Ukraine militarily.

Oct 20, 2025 • Stefan Wolff

6:07

Why Trump is unlikely to get Xi's help in making peace in Ukraine

Keeping the war in Ukraine going is the more rational choice for Beijing to make.

Dec 15, 2024 • Navigating the Vortex

Is the war in Ukraine headed towards an endgame?

After nearly three years of war, a ceasefire and peace talks are more likely than ever, but could turn out to bring only temporary relief for Ukraine.

Dec 17, 2024 • Stefan Wolff

Ukraine: The front line remains frozen. The war is escalating again.

Why Ukraine and Russia are trading long-range strikes instead of making ground gains, and what that means for the winter ahead.

Aug 17 • Stefan Wolff

Two wars, one system: how the Iran war gave Ukraine new leverage in Washington

As Iran and Russia's wartime alliance strains under pressure, Ukraine has found new ways to make itself indispensable to Washington.

Aug 12 • Stefan Wolff

China does just enough to support Russia, just as the West does with Ukraine

Beijing is officially neutral in the war against Ukraine, but it has been crucial in preventing Russia’s international isolation.

Nov 16, 2025 • Stefan Wolff

6:43

‘Victory plan’ or not, Zelenskyy’s allies may have passed their peak in supporting Ukraine

Pressure on Ukraine is increasing on and off the battlefield, and it is increasingly difficult to see how the country will prevail in its war against…

Oct 22, 2024 • Stefan Wolff

Away from the battlefield, the diplomatic wrangling in the Ukraine war hots up

Narendra Modi in Kyiv, Li Qiang in Moscow, and a Nato-Ukraine council emergency meeting demonstrate that there is still much to play for—on and off the…

Aug 28, 2024 • Stefan Wolff

Ukraine war: what China gains from acting as peacemaker

China’s approach to ending the Ukraine war will determine the future of the European security order.

Apr 28, 2023 • Stefan Wolff

One-third of Ukrainians would give up land for peace – but it’s not as simple as that

All pathways to peace in Ukraine lead through Washington and Beijing

Aug 1, 2024 • Stefan Wolff

Sanctions relief for Putin, pressure for Kyiv

What Trump’s deal with Moscow really means for the war in Ukraine

Oct 13 • Stefan Wolff

Ukraine war: failed African peace mission underscores need for more powerful political and military pressure on Putin

Despite a procession of peace plans for Ukraine, irreconcilable divisions remain between Kyiv and Moscow.

Jun 23, 2023 • Stefan Wolff

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