What to Read About the Russia-Ukraine War

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A week after Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine, triggering the biggest military mobilization in Europe since World War II, cities are lying in ruin and a million people have fled the country.

Russian forces have captured their first major city, the southern port of Kherson, and were gaining critical ground in parts of southern Ukraine. A second round of talks between officials made little progress toward ending the conflict but agreed on establishing civilian “corridors” out of areas of intense fighting. Sanctions imposed by the West have rattled the foundations of Russia’s financial system.

As the situation changes by the minute, the wall-to-wall coverage of the crisis can sometimes feel overwhelming. So we’ve pulled together some highlights of The New York Times’ coverage of the unfolding crisis, from documenting military movement and the refugee exodus on the ground to analyzing global geopolitical developments.

Here’s what to read about the war:

The Roots of the Ukraine War: How the Crisis Developed. A week into the biggest military mobilization in Europe since World War II, here’s a guide to how it came about, and what’s at stake for Russia, the U.S. and NATO.
Beyond the Battlefield: What Might Happen Next in the Ukraine Crisis. Europe faces a new refugee crisis, and harsh economic penalties to punish Russia are expected to reverberate worldwide.
On the Ground: Ukraine Under Attack. Photographers and videographers around Ukraine captured a populace both struggling with uncertainty and fear and showing resolve.
Maps: Tracking the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have captured Kherson and continue to advance toward other cities in southern Ukraine.
How Ukraine’s Military Has Resisted Russia So Far. Ukrainian troops have mounted a stiffer-than-expected opposition against a superior force in the early days of the war. But U.S. officials say it may not last.
A War the Kremlin Tried to Disguise Becomes a Hard Reality for Russians. Moscow posted a death toll from its attack on Ukraine for the first time, and Russians who long avoided politics are now grappling with the fact that their country is fighting a deadly conflict.
A Surge of Unifying Moral Outrage Over Russia’s War. Ukrainians have taken to social media, and taboos are tumbling as countries abandon neutrality and people abandon indifference to support their cause.
‘My Cousins Are Killing One Another’: War in Ukraine Splits Mixed Families. Because of their countries’ complex and intertwined history, many Ukrainians and Russians have relatives who are standing on opposite sides of the conflict.
On the Exodus West, Ukrainians Flee Hardship for an Uncertain Future. Many thousands of Ukrainians, fearful of the war, are leaving their homes on a slow journey west, enduring difficulties but also buoyed by the generosity of their fellow citizens.
As Sanctions Batter Economy, Russians Face the Anxieties of a Costly War. The ruble plunged, the stock market was shuttered and foreign investors shed holdings in Russian companies, deepening the concern among citizens who had become accustomed to the perks of globalization.
Opinion | I’m Writing From a Bunker With President Zelensky Beside Me. We Will Fight to the Last Breath. Nothing less than our freedom — and yours — is at stake, writes Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine.
Fact and Mythmaking Blend in Ukraine’s Information War. Experts say stories like the Ghost of Kyiv and Snake Island, both of questionable veracity, are propaganda or morale boosters, or perhaps both.
How the World Is Seeking to Put Pressure on Russia. Several countries and the European Union have imposed a variety of sanctions in response to Vladimir V. Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
How to Talk to Kids About Ukraine. Young people have access to more news streams than ever, and many are concerned. Here’s how to address their questions.