Opinion Pieces | MICHAEL McFAUL

On Substack

Feb 22, 2026

I was US ambassador to Russia. Trump’s recklessness is playing into Putin’s hands

After a year of talks, what is now clear is that President Donald Trump is not committed to negotiating a dignified peace. Instead, he wants an end to the war at whatever cost to Ukraine so that he can claim his coveted Nobel Peace Prize and get on with improving relations with his friend in Moscow.

The I Paper

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April 17, 2024

Goodbye to my fearless friend, Alexei Navalny

March 4, 2024

Michael McFaul on Russian presidential election and Alexei Navalny’s legacy

November 16, 2023

Should we seize Russian funds to pay for the war in Ukraine? Commentators weigh in.

June 20, 2023

The U.S. needs to launch a diplomatic surge on Ukraine

January 24, 2023

Are we seeing the beginning of the end of Putinism?

January 4, 2023

The world can’t allow the ex-president of Georgia to die in detention

Viktor Orbán’s loss matters far beyond Hungary

Apr 14, 2026 MS NOW

Sometimes You Get Another Chance

Mar 31, 2025 American Purpose

The world can’t allow the ex-president of Georgia to die in detention

Jan 4, 2023 Washington Post

It’s Time to Up Our Democracy Promotion Game

Nov 12, 2021 American Purpose

The Biden administration needs to up its game on public diplomacy

Oct 11, 2021 Washington Post

How to Contain Putin’s Russia: A Strategy for Countering a Rising Revisionist Power

Jan 19, 2021 Foreign Affairs

Sell It Again, Uncle Sam

Jan 13, 2021 American Purpose

To Foster a Free and Fair Election, American Voters Must Stay Calm and Patient

Oct 29, 2020 Medium

The Joe Biden most Americans don’t get to see

Oct 24, 2020 Washington Post

In-Person Voting Requires Safe and Accessible Solutions

Oct 8, 2020 Medium