A deadly missile blast in Poland raises fears of escalation – but also shines a spotlight on the barriers to a broader war. Guilty verdicts in the MH17 trial are grim reminders that Russia’s war on Ukraine began long ago. And a gruesome video serves as a disturbing sign of where Russia is today.
Russia backs down on grain-deal standoff. Putin delivers remarks meant to “recruit,” “confuse,” and create “room for maneuver” amid setbacks in the war on Ukraine. Muted gatherings honoring the victims of Stalin and the Soviet state are an unsurprising sign of the times.