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

The Cold War is Over, but There’s ‘Hot Peace’ between the U.S. and Russia

May 4, 2018 The Globe and Mail

The North Korea talks haven’t even started yet, and Trump is already in trouble

Mar 13, 2018 Washington Post

The right way to manage nuclear competition with Russia

Feb 5, 2018 Washington Post

Why ignoring Trump’s words is a luxury that diplomats can’t afford

Jan 19, 2018 Washington Post

Putin is to blame for the tragedy of Russia’s Olympics ban

Dec 7, 2017 Washington Post

China has arrived. That doesn’t mean it should dismiss the United States.

Nov 17, 2017 Washington Post

For the good of America, Trump needs to learn the art of diplomacy

Nov 6, 2017 Washington Post

Enough is enough: How to stop Russia’s cyber-interference

Sep 28, 2017 Washington Post

Cold War Lessons in Coercive Diplomacy for Dealing with North Korea Today

Aug 16, 2017 Medium

Trump’s weakness against Putin is on display — again

Aug 11, 2017 Washington Post