Michael McFaul

All Americans I know want to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

All Americans I know would like to see theocracy fall and democracy emerge in Iran.

The debate is not about these objectives but about the most effective means of achieving them.

Is war the best means? I'm skeptical.

I don’t remember Trump talking about military action against Iran on the campaign trail. Or Venezuela. Or Greenland.

Nearly a year ago, I managed to change the subtitle of my new book to add the phrase--

"the New Global Disorder."

Especially given recent events, glad I did.

www.amazon.com/Autocrats-vs...

I pray that the Iranian people will be liberated from theocratic tyranny and live in freedom and democracy.

I worry that Trump will cut a deal with some new autocratic group minus the Supreme Leader, just like he did in Venezuela.

I'm hoping to be wrong.

I don’t remember Trump talking about military action against Iran on the campaign trail. Or Venezuela. Or Greenland.

All Americans I know want to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

All Americans I know would like to see theocracy fall and democracy emerge in Iran.

The debate is not about these objectives but about the most effective means of achieving them.

Is war the best means? I'm skeptical.

I was asked in a Q&A this week about Russia’s post-Putin leadership.

Short term? We likely see a Putin 2.0–type successor.

Longer term? History suggests the pendulum swings.

Watch below, or check out McFaul's World on Substack for more:
michaelmcfaul.substack.com/p/recording-...

Recording: Q+A Live with Michael McFaul A recording from Michael McFaul's live video

If you missed my Q+A on Substack earlier today, you can now check out the full recording here: michaelmcfaul.substack.com/p/recording-...

I'll be doing an Ask Me Anything session today on Substack Live, Friday, 27 February (11am PST / 2pm EST). Check out McFaul's World for more details. See you there! michaelmcfaul.substack.com

Reminder: Q+A on Substack Live, Friday, 27 February (11am PST / 2pm EST) Join me for a discussion as we mark four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

REMINDER: Join me for an Ask Me Anything session today on Substack Live, Friday, 27 February (11am PST / 2pm EST)
michaelmcfaul.substack.com/p/reminder-q...

Stop trying to change Putin’s mind. Change his capabilities instead. Arm Ukraine with more and better weapons, and impose tougher sanctions on Russian individuals and companies to cut off the money funding this war.

The two least pleasant parts of my job— grading and admissions committees. In the thick of the latter right now.

We should let everyone in!

And give everyone As!

Embracing Putin while withholding critical support for Ukraine makes us look like a feckless friend and partner.

And making allies purchase weapons just to reroute them to Ukraine? That isn’t leadership—it’s immoral.

I was US ambassador to Russia. Trump’s recklessness is playing into Putin’s hands 'Trump’s negotiating tactics have dramatically weakened Ukraine’s position,' says Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia

Speaking from firsthand experience negotiating with the Kremlin, @mcfaulmike.bsky.social offers his take on what the White House needs to do to make progress on getting Putin to agree to a ceasefire in #Ukraine. ow.ly/krAy50YkLya

Reminder: Q+A on Substack Live, Friday, 27 February (11am PST / 2pm EST) Join me for a discussion as we mark four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

I’ll be hosting a Q+A on Substack Live on Friday, 27 Feb at 11am PST / 2pm EST to discuss where we are in this war—and where we may be heading next. Check out McFaul's World on Substack for more details:

Putin’s brutal war is a vanity project. He doesn’t care about Ukrainians—but he doesn't care about his own citizens either. This war ends when we strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield, tighten sanctions to starve Russia's war machine, and force Moscow to negotiate on equal terms. W/ @news.sky.com.

Four years later, Zelenskyy is still standing. An amazing achievement! #SlavaUkraini!

The immense determination of Ukrainian warriors & civilians has prevented Putin from achieving any of his initial war aims:
Tried to take all Ukraine—failed.
Tried to overthrow Zelenskyy—failed.
Tried to stop NATO expansion—failed.
Putin is losing this war. I just hope it ends soon.

Putin has been trying to seize control of Donbas since 2014, and still has not succeeded. So now he is begging Trump to give it to him. What an incredible achievement of Ukrainian warriors.

The Four Tragic Years of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine And yet, in the face of unbelievable determination from Ukrainian warriors and civilians, Putin has not achieved a single one of his initial war aims.

michaelmcfaul.substack.com/p/the-four-t...

"...when historians write a full accounting of this war, serious analytical books will describe how Ukraine defeated Russia. ... Putin has already failed to achieve any of his initial war aims and has very few options to reverse these outcomes, even if he decides to fight on for years."

The Four Tragic Years of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine And yet, in the face of unbelievable determination from Ukrainian warriors and civilians, Putin has not achieved a single one of his initial war aims.

michaelmcfaul.substack.com/p/the-four-t...

An Embarrassed American in Europe Trip report from the 2026 Munich Security Conference

The Munich Security Conference was depressing. My take:

An Embarrassed American in Europe
open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...

Slava Ukraini!

The Four Tragic Years of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine And yet, in the face of unbelievable determination from Ukrainian warriors and civilians, Putin has not achieved a single one of his initial war aims.

As Ukrainians lay down their lives for freedom, Putin is sending Russian soldiers to die for occupation, annexation, destruction, and terror. My latest on this tragic anniversary: open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...

Slava Ukraini!

I was US ambassador to Russia. Trump’s recklessness is playing into Putin’s hands 'Trump’s negotiating tactics have dramatically weakened Ukraine’s position,' says Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia

After four brutal years of war and terrorism, courageous Ukrainians fighting for their freedom and independence deserve better than the Trump administration’s deeply flawed approach to these negotiations. My latest: inews.co.uk/news/world/a...

Putin’s war is a tragedy with no winners. Russia isn’t stronger, safer, or more prosperous for invading Ukraine. Its economy is deeply strained, emigration has accelerated, and its demographic crisis has intensified.

Inspired by our Olympic athletes, I ran just a little bit faster today!