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

Here’s what a presidential phone call with a foreign leader looks like in a normal White House

Sep 30, 2019 Washington Post

A high-level Senate report confirms it: Our elections still aren’t safe

Jul 30, 2019 Washington Post

Russia attacked us. The Mueller report still doesn’t give us the full story.

Apr 19, 2019 Washington Post

It’s time to secure the 2020 election

Mar 26, 2019 Washington Post

Iran must free Farhad Meysami, a nonviolent fighter for human rights

Dec 5, 2018 Washington Post

Want Americans to vote? Give them the day off.

Oct 10, 2018 Washington Post

Why Trump’s plans for regime change in Iran will have the opposite effect

May 30, 2018 Washington Post

Ukraine’s democracy is approaching ‘make or break’ — and the West is missing in action

May 1, 2018 Washington Post

Remembering a Russian champion of freedom

Feb 27, 2018 Washington Post

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

Nov 6, 2017 Washington Post