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

Yes, Voting by Mail Remains Safe, Fair, and Democratic in 2020

Oct 1, 2020 Medium

Trump’s foreign policy report card is full of failing grades

Sep 23, 2020 Washington Post

Lessons from Primary Elections in August for Election Day in November

Sep 22, 2020 Medium

Preserving American Democracy: The Imperative of a Free and Fair Presidential Election in November

Sep 16, 2020 Medium

Senate Russia report proves Trump collusion was very real. But do voters care?

Aug 22, 2020 NBC News

The U.S. is losing ground in the global effort to promote democratic ideals

Jun 4, 2020 Washington Post

We need to start preparing for the November election — now

Apr 15, 2020 Washington Post

Thanks for defending democracy, Mike Pompeo. So when will Trump change his policies?

Feb 21, 2020 Washington Post

Be prepared to fight a dangerous new wave of disinformation during the Senate trial

Jan 13, 2020 Washington Post

Here’s how Russia will attack the 2020 election. We’re still not ready.

Nov 15, 2019 Washington Post